3 July 2024

Quinta dos Frades has just launched three new vintages that express the heritage of the centenarian old vines at the iconic Folgosa do Douro estate. Concentrated throughout the roughly 200 hectares that overlook the river and the mythical N222 road are 20 hectares of parcels aged over 100 years old, one of the most important expanses of old vines in the region from which the estate’s main DOC Douro reds are sourced. And this is precisely where the three new wines we present here originate from: Quinta dos Frades Grande Reserva 2016; Quinta dos Frades Vinha dos Deuses 2019; and Quinta dos Frades Dona Sylvia Grande Reserva 2017.

Quinta dos Frades Grande Reserva is the estate’s most emblematic wine and, year after year, is a symbol of the consistency and quality of the traditional Douro field blend. It contains over 20 identifiable grape varieties, amongst which the predominant Touriga Franca, Tinta Amarela, Tinta da Barca, Tinta Carvalha, Tinta Francisca, Tinto Ca?o, Bastardo, Rufete and Donzelinho. RRP: €30.49

The classic Vinha dos Deuses combines the depth and concentration of old vines with more youthful fruit from 40-year-old vines to create a younger profile. RRP: €15.25

Dona Sylvia Grande Reserva stands out for only being produced in special years. It is one of the brand’s tribute wines, produced in the image of another of its top-of-the-range vintages – Comendador Delfim Ferreira. In this case, it is a family homage to the memory of Sylvia Ferreira, the wife of Delfim Ferreira, the driving force behind the the recent history of the estate (which he acquired in 1941). RRP: €52.30

Quinta dos Frades covers roughly 200 hectares and is one of the oldest properties in the Douro. In the 13th century, it was donated to the Cistercian monks, who had a wide presence in the Douro, and integrated into the monastery of Santa Maria de Salzedas. It has been linked to winemaking ever since. After the dissolution of the religious orders, Quinta dos Frades was bought at auction in 1841 by the 1st Baron of Folgosa. In 1941, it was purchased by the Portuguese magnate Delfim Ferreira and has remained in the family’s hands ever since. Winemaking at Quinta dos Frades is the responsibility of the enologists Anselmo Mendes and Diogo Lopes.