Maias Tinto 2021

Quinta das Maias is located in the foothills of Portugal's highest mountain range, the Serra de Estrela. The estate is named after the Maias flowers which bloom in May around the vines and now adorn the label of this pretty red wine. The vines are planted at an altitude of 600 meters and are grown organically on sandy, granite-based soils. Fermentation is carried out using indigenous yeasts and the wine is then aged in stainless steel vats without passing through wooden barrels. The wine has a beautiful aromatic intensity which reveals complex flavors of blackberries , blueberries , undergrowth , cherry , plum , spices as well as some slightly smoky mineral notes. On the palate, the wine is supple, robust and enhanced by a beautiful acidity. A typical Dao red!

Portugal's rich history is intertwined with its wines, particularly its most famous wine, Port. From the ancient cities of Lisbon and Porto to small medieval towns and Roman ruins, the past is still alive today in modern Portugal. A great vacation in the heart of this country, where Port wines were born, is a unique way to experience Old World culture, climate, beautiful countryside and of course delicious wines. Although the history of wine in Portugal dates back to the Romans, it was not until the early 19th century that the wine we know today as Port came into being. Table wine from Portugal was already in high demand since the mid-17th century, mainly by the British. To make rustic Portuguese wines more stable and palatable, small amounts of brandy were added to wine barrels before shipping. Eventually, British companies began to invest in the region and perfected the process of adding brandy during fermentation, rather than after, which helped preserve the distinctive fruity flavors of red wine that were unique to the Douro Valley region of Portugal. In recent years, a small revolution has occurred in the Douro region in terms of the development of modern style dry red and white wines, alongside the very traditional production of Port wines. Table wines also continue to play an important role. The increase in investments, the improvement of viticultural techniques and the modernization of the industry are producing interesting results. What is unique about Portugal is the very large number (over 500) of indigenous (although sometimes unpronounceable) grape varieties. Even most wine experts aren't familiar with the grapes that produce Port, Madeira, or any other Portuguese wine. Like its neighbor Spain, Portugal has been experiencing a quiet revolution for around twenty years. The reluctance to follow trends and plant international grape varieties is now paying off and the new breed of wines full of "terroir effect" and fruit are more than capable of competing on the world stage. The unique flavors that characterize Portugal's native grape varieties have become its strength. Good news for those looking for a change from wines made from the ubiquitous international grape varieties. The terroir is so diverse. From north to south, from east to west, from the mountains to the maritime vineyards, hot and dry or cool and green. In every style, from vinho verde to port, from dry, crisp whites to elegant reds, in so many different ways, Portuguese wines are unique.