ADEGA VILA REAL
Adega Vila Real: Exemplifying the Beauty of Douro Wines
History of Adega Vila Real
Adega Vila Real, situated in the globally renowned Douro Valley of Portugal, is a wine cooperative founded in 1964. The cooperative began with a humble count of just 14 winegrowers, aiming to produce high-quality wines that encapsulate the unique characteristics of their terroir. Today, it encompasses over 1,000 vineyard owners covering about 2,300 hectares, each contributing with their best fruits to maintain the legacy of this grand cooperative.
Characteristics of Adega Vila Real Port
Adega Vila Real has a diverse range of Port wines under their portfolio, with each style expressing the distinct traits of the Douro Valley. They put their expertise into crafting Ports that strike a perfect balance between the natural sweetness and acidity of the grapes, ensuring each bottle is a faithful representation of their terroir. Notably, their 10 Year Old Port is renowned for its depth, complexity, and unique aging characteristics.
Technical Details
The grape varieties used in the production of their Port wines include Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, and Tinto Cão. These grape varieties, combined with the specific climate and soil conditions of the region, result in Ports with unique personalities.
The winemaking process involves traditional foot treading in lagares, followed by fermentation under controlled temperatures. The fermentation is then halted by the addition of grape spirit, producing the characteristic fortified style of Port. The wines are bottled in standard 750ml bottles, with some special editions and vintages available in different sizes.
Gastronomic Suggestions
The Port wines from Adega Vila Real offer a delightful gastronomic experience. Their 10 Year Old Port, with its profound complexity and elegance, pairs beautifully with blue cheeses and dark chocolate desserts. For a lighter pairing, try it with a classic almond tart. For something unique, consider their White Port as a refreshing aperitif with salted almonds or an intriguing pairing with citrusy desserts.
Vineyard Practices
The members of the Adega Vila Real cooperative employ a mix of traditional and modern viticulture techniques, respecting the unique environment of the Douro Valley. The steep slopes of the vineyards require manual cultivation, and the hot, dry climate ensures a high concentration of sugar and flavor in the grapes. The vineyards are managed sustainably, with a focus on soil preservation and biodiversity.
Current Leadership and Winemaking
Today, the cooperative continues its mission under the leadership of a dedicated team of professionals, who strive to uphold the values and traditions set forth by the original founders. They combine modern technology with age-old winemaking traditions to produce their high-quality Ports. The head winemaker guides the winemaking process, from the careful selection of the grapes to the aging and blending of the wines, ensuring that each bottle lives up to the high standards of the Adega Vila Real brand.
In conclusion, Adega Vila Real is more than just a cooperative. It is a symbol of unity and dedication, a testament to the hard work of the many vineyard owners who contribute their best grapes each year. The result is a range of Port wines that truly reflect the unique terroir of the Douro Valley.
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Rui Meireles
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2017
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1970
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QUINTA DOS MATTOS
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Soul wines
