Smith & Woodhouse
Smith Woodhouse: Uniting Tradition and Innovation in the Douro Valley
Smith Woodhouse, one of the esteemed names in the Port wine industry, operates under the careful stewardship of the Symington Family Estates. Founded in 1784, Smith Woodhouse combines a profound respect for tradition with a forward-thinking approach, upholding its legacy while consistently delivering exceptional Port wines.
A Rich Heritage
From its beginnings in the 18th century, Smith Woodhouse has been producing premium Ports in the heart of the Douro Valley. Its quintas, nurtured by the unique terroir and ideal climatic conditions of the region, yield high-quality grapes that form the foundation of the brand's remarkable Ports.
Smith Woodhouse became part of the Symington Family Estates in 1970, further strengthening its position in the market. The Symington family, renowned for their winegrowing experience and deep understanding of the Douro Valley, have enhanced the reputation of Smith Woodhouse, emphasizing quality and integrity in every bottle.
Characteristics of Smith Woodhouse Port
Smith Woodhouse is recognized for its range of Ports that includes Ruby, Tawny, LBV, and particularly Vintage Ports. Every wine carries the signature of the brand's commitment to excellence, reflecting the unique character of the region's terroir.
The Ports of Smith Woodhouse are celebrated for their concentrated fruit flavors, robust structure, and layered complexity. The Vintage Ports, in particular, are acclaimed for their intense dark fruit notes, subtle spice undertones, and rich chocolate nuances. Over time, these wines develop complex secondary flavors, contributing to their longevity and appeal.
Technical Details
Smith Woodhouse produces its Ports from a selection of indigenous grape varieties from the Douro Valley, including Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinto Cão, and Tinta Barroca. The distinct microclimates and complex geology of the region significantly influence the unique flavors of their Ports.
The winemaking process at Smith Woodhouse adheres to traditional practices. This includes foot treading of grapes in lagares and controlled fermentation, which is stopped by the addition of grape spirit. This process creates the iconic sweet, fortified profile of Port wine.
Gastronomic Suggestions
Smith Woodhouse's Ports offer a versatile array of food-pairing options. Their robust Vintage Ports pair well with strong, creamy cheeses and indulgent chocolate desserts. The Tawny Ports, with their distinct nutty and caramelized notes, complement creamy desserts, blue cheeses, and savory dishes such as foie gras. The more fruit-driven Ruby and LBV Ports make a delightful pairing with a selection of cheeses, nuts, and dried fruits.
Vineyard Practices
Smith Woodhouse emphasizes sustainable viticultural practices, demonstrating respect for the land and the native grape varieties of the Douro Valley. Despite the region's challenging terrain, much of the vineyard work is carried out manually. This approach preserves the time-honored traditions that have shaped the Douro Valley's unique viticultural landscape.
Under the management of the Symington family, Smith Woodhouse continues to uphold its heritage while embracing modern winemaking techniques, ensuring its esteemed position in the world of Port wine.
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Symingtons
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1890 / 1896 / 1897 / 1900 / 1904 / 1908 / 1912 / 1917 / 1920 / 1924 / 1927 / 1935 / 1945 / 1947 / 1950 / 1955 / 1960 / 1963 / 1966 / 1970 / 1975 / 1977 / 1980 / 1982 / 1983 / 1985 / 1991 / 1992 / 1994 / 1997 / 2000 / 2003 / 2007 / 2011 / 2016
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Smith Woodhouse Vintage Ports are made from grapes sourced entirely from the Rio Torto Valley whose maturation pattern is typically later than in most of the other areas of the Douro region, bringing about an extended ripening cycle. This produces very well balanced wines with distinctive floral aromas reminiscent of roses and violets.
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1976 / 1986 / 1994 / 2000
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Quinta da Madalena
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Symington Family Estates
