Quinta de Val da Figueira
Quinta de Val da Figueira: A Legacy of Excellence
Quinta de Val da Figueira, nestled in the heart of the Douro Valley near Pinhão, boasts a winemaking heritage dating back to 1759. This historic estate, situated on the right bank of the Douro River, has played a pivotal role in the resurgence of Portuguese viticulture. It stands as a testament to both tradition and innovation in the world of wine.
The Legacy Continues
The ownership of the main vineyard area of Quinta de Val da Figueira has been in the family for three generations, with some adjacent vineyard areas tracing their roots back for five generations. Today, the estate is under the capable stewardship of João Cálem Hoelzer, a passionate wine enthusiast of Douro and Scottish descent. He manages 16 hectares of vineyards, nestled on slopes that gracefully descend towards the Rio, marked with vine rows meticulously arranged in letters "A." The estate's annual production averages around 110 pipes, with a dedication almost exclusively focused on producing exceptional Port wines.
Traditional Winemaking Excellence
At Quinta de Val da Figueira, the art of winemaking is a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. The wines are crafted in the time-honored manner, with grapes being foot-trodden in stone tanks known as "lagares." This traditional approach, revered by top Port winemakers, is believed to yield the finest quality Port wines. All the wines produced here are estate bottled, a mark of their commitment to quality and authenticity.
The Art of Winemaking
Quinta de Val da Figueira is home to an array of grape varieties, carefully selected to produce exceptional wines. These include Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, Tinto Cao, Tinta Francisca, and traditionally planted low-yield vineyards. In addition to its renowned Port wines (Tawny 10 years, Vintage, and Porto Branco 7 years extra-Dry), the estate also produces a select table wine bearing the name "Doc Douro." The farm's Tawny Port wines are particularly notable, displaying an aromatic complexity that rivals even older tawnies in a dry style. The Vintage Ports are dense, boasting a chewy material and a beautiful freshness.
A Storied History
The roots of this remarkable estate stretch back to the mid-18th century when it was already acknowledged in the days of Pombal and featured on James Forester's map in 1834. In the 1930s, the quinta was acquired by Alfredo Leopoldo Holzer, a native of Frankfurt, Germany, who married into the esteemed Cálem family. The estate has continued to evolve over the years, with additional vineyards inherited by Alfredo's wife, Julia Cálem. Today, Quinta de Val da Figueira is proudly run by the third generation, João Cálem Hoelzer, a tireless and distinguished custodian of this remarkable legacy.
Quinta de Val da Figueira represents not just a winemaking estate but a living testament to the enduring spirit of tradition, quality, and innovation that defines the Douro Valley.
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João Cálem Hoelzer
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1997 / 1999 / 2000 / 2001 / 2002 / 2003 / 2005 / 2007 / 2009 / 2011 / 2013 / 2014 / 2015 / 2016 / 2017
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1969 / 1990
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Quinta Vale D. Maria
Quinta Vale do Sabor
Vinha da Francisca
Vinha de Martim
Vinha do Rio
Vinha do Moinho
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Aveleda
