Martinez
Martinez: A Testament to Tradition in Port Wine
Since its establishment in 1790, Martinez has consistently produced premium Port wines that reflect the rich heritage of the Douro Valley. With its deep respect for tradition and an unwavering commitment to quality, Martinez has firmly secured its place among the elite Port wine producers.
Characteristics: Richness in Every Bottle
Martinez presents a broad selection of Port styles, each exhibiting unique characteristics. Their Vintage Ports, famed for their depth and complexity, offer a powerful display of fruit and spice notes. The Tawny Ports, aged in oak, unveil an alluring medley of dried fruit, nutty nuances, and caramel hints.
The Quinta: Quinta da Eira Velha
The Quinta da Eira Velha, owned by Martinez, plays a crucial role in the winery's operations. This revered estate, situated on the left bank of the Douro River, provides ideal conditions for the cultivation of top-quality grapes that contribute to the distinct personality of Martinez's Ports.
Technical Details
Martinez employs a selection of traditional grape varieties for their Ports, including Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, and Tinta Barroca. The winemaking process follows traditional methods, including foot-treading in lagares and fortification, ensuring the preservation of the wine's inherent sweetness.
Gastronomic Suggestions
The Ports from Martinez exhibit a fantastic versatility in food pairing. Their robust Vintage Ports are an excellent companion to strong cheeses and rich chocolate desserts. Meanwhile, their Tawny Ports, with their complex flavor profile, are a match made in heaven with nut-based desserts or creamy cheeses.
Vineyard Practices
Martinez is dedicated to sustainable viticulture, upholding practices that preserve the unique ecosystem of their vineyards. This hands-on approach ensures a harmonious relationship between the vineyard and the wines it yields, encapsulating the spirit of the Douro Valley.
Notable Vintage Years and Producers
The Vintage Ports from Martinez are exceptional representations of the winery's remarkable harvests. Notable vintages such as the 1994, 2000, and 2011 each offer a snapshot of the exceptional quality of the fruit and the meticulous craftsmanship involved.
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Charles Symington
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1890/ 1892/ 1894/ 1896/ 1897/ 1900/ 1904/ 1908/ 1911/ 1912/ 1919/ 1922/ 1927/ 1931/ 1934/ 1945/ 1950/ 1953/ 1955/ 1958/ 1960/ 1963/ 1967/ 1970/ 1975/ 1982/ 1985/ 1987/ 1991/ 1994/ 1997/ 1999/ 2000/ 2003/ 2007
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In a discussion of the typical styles of each of the family brands Charles Symington, head winemaker, said that without the tie to a specific quinta and terroir-driven style, Martinez is an opportunity to “just have some fun making interesting, satisfying wines” from the grapes supplied to us by small producers.
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No colheita’s known
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Martinez has no historical association with any one quinta. Instead, the grapes are sourced mainly from the Pinhão and Rio Torto valleys, where many small farmers produce top quality fruit which they sell to the Symingtons.
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Symington Family Estates
