Quarles Harris
Quarles Harris: A Symington Family Legacy in Port Wine
Quarles Harris, a name deeply embedded in the annals of Port wine history, is an emblem of tradition and excellence. Established in 1680, this distinguished Port house has been part of the Symington Family Estates since 1920, preserving its unique character while benefiting from the Symington's expertise in Port production.
A Storied Past
Quarles Harris was founded during a time when the Douro Valley was gaining recognition for its fine fortified wines. The quintas of Quarles Harris, nurtured by the ebb and flow of the Douro River, have been the birthplace of exceptional grapes for centuries, creating the brand's characteristic Port wines.
The Symington family, themselves with a winemaking lineage dating back to the 19th century, became owners of Quarles Harris in the early 20th century. The family's deep understanding of the region and commitment to quality have played a significant role in maintaining and enhancing the reputation of Quarles Harris.
Characteristics of Quarles Harris Port
Quarles Harris offers a fine range of Ports, including Tawny, Ruby, LBV, and especially notable Vintage Ports. Every wine within the Quarles Harris portfolio is a testament to the brand's relentless pursuit of quality, mirroring the distinct terroir of the Douro Valley.
Known for their complexity and elegance, Quarles Harris' Ports stand out for their intense fruit-driven character and robust structure. The Vintage Ports are particularly revered, exhibiting a deep concentration of dark fruit flavors, delicate spice notes, and a rich chocolaty undertone. These wines age gracefully, acquiring a complex array of secondary flavors that add to their depth and allure.
Technical Details
Quarles Harris crafts its Ports from a selection of native Douro Valley grape varieties such as Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinto Cão, and Tinta Barroca. The region's complex geology and diverse microclimates lend their distinctive imprint to the Ports, contributing to their unique flavor profiles.
Traditional winemaking practices are at the heart of Quarles Harris. This includes the manual treading of grapes in lagares and a controlled fermentation process, which is arrested by the addition of grape spirit to create the distinctive sweet, fortified character of Port wine.
Gastronomic Suggestions
Quarles Harris' Ports offer a broad spectrum of pairing opportunities. The full-bodied Vintage Ports are an excellent match for strong, creamy cheeses and indulgent chocolate desserts. The Tawny Ports, known for their nutty and caramelized nuances, pair well with creamy desserts, blue cheeses, or savory dishes like foie gras. The vibrant and fruity Ruby and LBV Ports complement a variety of cheeses, nuts, and dried fruits.
Vineyard Practices
Sustainability is at the forefront of Quarles Harris's vineyard practices, showcasing a deep respect for the land and the indigenous grape varieties of the Douro Valley. Despite the region's challenging topography, much of the vineyard work is performed manually, thus preserving the traditional methods that have shaped the landscape and viticulture of the Douro Valley.
Under the stewardship of the Symington family, Quarles Harris continues to embody a rich heritage while embracing innovation, ensuring its position as a cherished name in the realm of Port wine.
-
Symingtons
-
1945/ 1960/ 1970/ 1975/ 1977/ 1980/ 1983/ 1985/ 1994/ 1997/ 2000/ 2003/ 2007/ 2017
-
According to Charles Symington, head winemaker, when discussing the distinctive styles of the family brands, he mentioned that Quarles Harris, not being tied to a specific quinta and terroir-driven style, provides an opportunity to "simply enjoy the process of crafting intriguing and satisfying wines" using grapes sourced from small producers. Quarles Harris embraces a firm and slightly dry flavor profile, adding to its unique character.
-
1940
-
From its earliest days, Quarles Harris established good ties with Douro farmers to ensure the supply of high quality Ports for its shipments to the UK and Ireland. It built up strong links with growers in the Rio Torto Valley, in the heart of the Douro region and therefore its Vintage Ports have traditionally been sourced from the area which is well-known as a source of very high quality wines that are important components of many fine Vintage Ports.
-
-
Symington Family Estates
