Symington Family Estates Launches Combolo do Vesuvio
FROM THE WIRES
Seasoned travelers know that the Linha do Douro (Douro Line) in northern Portugal is considered one of the most scenic train rides in the world. It is an especially beautiful journey from the city of Porto to the vineyards and winery of Vesuvio, where Symington Family Estates’ legendary Quinta do Vesuvio is nestled amongst mountain-like hills that rise from the banks of the Douro River. The train line down the Douro opened in 1887, including a stop at Vesuvio making travel to the region more accessible, enabling the Port trade to flourish.The line continues to be an integral part of the property’s rich heritage today. Symington Family Estates celebrates this promising presence of railway and vineyard with its inaugural 2019 vintage of Comboio do Vesuvio (Vesuvio Train, SRP $22).
Comboio do Vesuvio 2019 is a red table wine that hails from one of the great estates of the Douro Superior, Quinta do Vesuvio– home of some of the world's finest Ports. Here the steep and intricate terroir provides multiple amphitheater-shaped sites across 336 historic planted acres. The treasured quinta provides the fruit for this every day sipper with pedigree, a unique blend of four Portuguese grapes: Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Tinta Barroca.
Expressive aromas of conifer woodlands, strawberry and “rock rose,” a wildflower found throughout the Douro Valley, are a welcomed presence on the nose. Rich plummy flavors with notes of fresh herbs including Vesuvio’s signature thyme fragrance are nuanced on the palate. Fresh and lively, Comboio do Vesuvio 2019 is unoaked to underscore the wine’s youthful, bright harmonious flavors and is ready to enjoy now.
Sample.