Quinta da Romaneira
The Grandeur of Quinta da Romaneira: A Journey through Time and Taste
The Mosaic of Romaneira
Perched along the majestic Douro River, Quinta da Romaneira stands as a testament to the rich history and evolving viticulture of the Douro Valley. With its 412 hectares and an impressive 3-kilometer stretch of river frontage, Romaneira is one of the most expansive estates in the region. The undulating terraces of its vineyards, each offering unique microclimates, give rise to wines that are an authentic reflection of the terroir.
From its inception, the quintessential character of Quinta da Romaneira wines has stemmed from its diverse soils and meticulous selection of grape varieties. Among the noble Douro grape varietals, Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa, Tinta Roriz, and Tinto Cão reign supreme, accentuated with refreshing white grape varieties like Gouveio, Viosinho, Boal, and Rabigato. It’s this reverence for tradition, combined with innovative inclusions like Syrah and Petit Verdot, that sets Romaneira apart in the ever-evolving Douro wine scene.
Harnessing the Genius of the Terroir
The resurrection of Romaneira in 2004 was no accident. Built upon the unwavering belief in its unparalleled vineyard terroir, each vine at Romaneira is tended with a craftsman's touch. This passionate care, juxtaposed with advanced winemaking techniques, has solidified its reputation as a top-tier port wine producer in the Douro Valley.
Romaneira's state-of-the-art winery, established in 2005, seamlessly fuses tradition with modernity. Unlike many Douro wineries steeped in antiquity, Romaneira’s winery was purposefully built underground, ensuring wines mature under cool and stable conditions. The stainless-steel lagares further exemplify the marriage of tradition and technology, enhancing the classic foot treading technique essential for port wine, while optimizing temperature control.
The Legacy of Romaneira: A Glimpse into History
While the official registration of Quinta da Romaneira dates back to 1757, its history is much more profound. By the 19th century, the Quinta had already earned its stripes with remarkable vintages, with the Port wines of 1861 and 1863 being auctioned at Christie's, an honor befitting only the crème de la crème.
The 20th century saw the estate expand significantly under Arnaldo Dias Monteiro de Barros. However, it was the 21st century that marked a watershed moment. In 2004, Christian Seely and later, Brazilian businessman André Esteves, in 2012, revitalized Romaneira. Today, the estate thrives as a beacon of wine excellence in the Douro, with its vines echoing the legacy of ancient estates like Liceiras, Carrapata, and Malhadal.
Accolades and Awards: A Mark of Distinction
In the vast expanse of port wine companies and brands, Quinta da Romaneira distinguishes itself with an enviable portfolio of award-winning vintages. The aromatic intensity characteristic of Romaneira's terroir is epitomized in their 2021 Vintage Port. With an enchanting bouquet of wild fruit, violets, and spices, this wine promises a velvety finish and remarkable aging potential. Garnering a commendable rating of 94/100 by Revista de Vinhos, it's a testament to Romaneira's unwavering commitment to quality.
Their 2020 Vintage, boasting rich undertones of wild flowers and spices, has been lauded by wine aficionados, with James Suckling, Wine Enthusiast, and Wine Spectator offering high praise. The 2019 Vintage Port, described as seductive with a hint of wild berries, has been celebrated by esteemed reviewers like Robert Parker and James Suckling.
Embarking on a Wine Odyssey
At Quinta da Romaneira, wine lovers can indulge in an immersive port wine tourism experience. From port wine tastings, which offer a sensory exploration of wine & chocolate, wine & cheese pairings, to traversing the historic wine routes of the Douro Valley, it's a haven for aficionados. As the center of the three production zones for Port and Douro wines, Romaneira also presents an opportunity for wine education, hosting seminars and courses, making it an essential stop on the wine lover's pilgrimage in the Douro Valley.
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1861 / 1863 / 1908 / 1935 / 1982 / 1984 / 1985 / 1987 / 1982 / 1990 / 1991 / 1994 / 1996 / 1997 / 2000 / 2003 / 2004 / 2005 / 2007 / 2008 / 2011 / 2015 / 2016 / 2017 / 2018 / 2019 / 2020
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Colheita’s
1988 / 2007 / 2009
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Quinta da Romaneira
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Carlos Agrellos
