The wines of Quinta do Ventozelo, Douro, Portugal
Quinta de Ventozelo is one of the Douro’s largest properties. It has a long history, but was until recently supplying bulk Port and wine to the market. In 2014 it was acquired by Gran Cruz, who are a significant Port wine exporter. They have focused resources on achieving the potential of this Quinta, which has over 200 hectares of vines. It’s very well located, in the Cima Corgo sub-district of the Douro, just past Pinhão on the left bank of the Douro, near Ervedosa.
Quinta de Ventozelo Viosinho 2017 Douro, Portugal
13.5% alcohol. This is fresh and fruit driven with a slight stoniness and some nice nutty hints. It has bright citrus and pear fruit, with good acidity. There’s a hint of grapefruit pith, too. A crisp, dry white with a bit of personality. 88/100
Quinta de Ventozelo Branco de Ventozelo 2016 Douro, Portugal
13% alcohol. Nuts, honey and citrus on the nose. The palate is lively with some toast and marmalade notes, and nice fresh acidity. It’s quite bright and detailed with lovely precision but also some honeyed richness. A wine of contrasts, reminding me bit of a dry Sauternes. 91/100
Quinta de Ventozelo Rosé de Ventozelo 2019 Douro, Portugal
12.5% alcohol. This is crisp and bright with some strawberry and cherry fruit. Dry with keen acidity. Freshness and balance key here. 87/100
Azul de Ventozelo Douro Tinto 2017 Portugal
13.5% alcohol. This is fresh and supple with some cherry and plum fruit as well as some savoury, herbal characters. Juicy, crunchy and quite grainy, this is tasty and a bit rustic. 88/100
Quinta de Ventozelo Touriga Franca 2017 Douro, Portugal
14.5% alcohol. This is floral with sweet blackcurrant and blackberry fruit, as well as some cherry notes. It’s fruit-driven and enticing with lovely texture and openness. There’s very little oak apparent, which is a bonus. Generous, sleek, ripe approachable fruit to the fore, and it captures some of the Douro wildness, too. Good value. 90/100
Quinta de Ventozelo Tinta Roriz 2017 Douro, Portugal
15% alcohol. Sweetly aromatic this shows sweet black cherry and blackberry fruit with a hint of mint and spice, as well as a bit of tannic grip. Despite the alcohol level, this feels quite fresh, berryish and fruit forward. There’s a focus on the fruit, and it complements the lush fruit with a bit of spicy grip. 90/100
Quinta de Ventozelo Blend Tinto 2016 Douro, Portugal
14% alcohol. Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Tinta Roriz. There’s some richness here with notes of spice, tar and balsamic vinegar as well as sweet, lush black fruits. Nice depth to this wine, which is quite bold and forward, in a modern style. There’s a lovely fruit focus, with some balancing savoury notes. 89/100
Quinta do Ventozelo Vintage Port 2017 Douro, Portugal
20% alcohol. There’s nice concentration here, but this remains a supple, well balanced vintage Port with bright cherries, blackberries and herbs, as well as a touch of balsamic character. It’s really vivid and expressive, with nice structure and balance. For mid-term drinking. 92/100
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