Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Van Zellers & Co
Label Name:
 
Cv Vale D Maria Tinto
Vintage:
 
2011
Country:
 
Portugal
Region:
 
Douro (Quinta Vale D. Maria, Cima Corgo - Torto/Torto Valley)
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
15%
Grape(s):
 
Field blend of 40+ indigenous Douro varieties (Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz/Aragonez, Tinta Amarela, Tinta Francisca, Sousão, Rufete, Donzelinho, Tinta Barroca, etc.)
Acidity:
 
4
Tannins:
 
4
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
5
Length:
 
5
Aroma Intensity:
 
5
Best Temperature:
 
16-18°C

Awards/Ratings
High critical scores: Wine Advocate ~95 pts (2011), Wine Spectator ~95 pts (2011). CV sibling and single-parcel bottlings have earned 95–96 point notes from critics (Wine Advocate, Wine Spectator, Falstaff)

Tasting Note
Concentrated black cherry, plum and black currant with violet, spice and tobacco notes; saline minerality, integrated ripe tannins, bright acidity and a long savory finish.

Food Pairing
Western: grilled lamb, roasted/game meats, braised beef, pork shoulder, oven-roasted vegetables. Asian: Korean BBQ (bulgogi/galbi), char siu or hoisin-glazed pork, Sichuan-style beef, Peking duck, teriyaki beef skewers.

Production Method
Old-vine field blend; grapes foot-trodden in lagares and fermented in tanks/lagares, then aged ~21 months in French oak (high proportion new oak).

Vineyard Info
Quinta Vale D. Maria purchased by Cristiano van Zeller in 1996; estate centred on old-vine parcels (many 50–80+ years) and managed by Van Zellers & Co, focused on premium Douro expressions.