by Andrew Chalk
TASTING NOTES
NAME: | Dow's Vale do Bonfim 2022 White Blend, Douro DOC, Portugal |
APPEARANCE | COMMENTS |
Clarity | Clear |
Intensity | Medium |
Color | Lemon-Green |
Other observations | |
NOSE | |
Condition | Clean |
Intensity | medium |
Aroma characteristics | Leon, lime, whte peach, asparagus, herbal notes, honeydew melon, white flowers, yogurt. |
PALATE | |
Sweetness | dry |
Acidity | medium |
Tannin | |
Alcohol | medium |
Body | medium |
Flavour intensity | medium |
Flavour characteristics | Leon, lime, whte peach, asparagus, herbal notes, honeydew melon, white flowers, white stones; |
Other observations | Texture is grippy. A pleasant plus point. |
Finish | Medium |
CONCLUSION | |
Quality assessment | Good. Citric flavors and minerality in fine balance. |
Bottle ageing | Not suitable. |
FROM THE WIRES...
Portugal has been a hot travel destination for the US for several years running and the popularity of Portuguese table wines reflect Americans desire to recreate the fun they had on holiday at home. An array of indigenous grape varieties combined with state-of-the art winemaking from estates of significant heritage offer authenticity and value. Symington Family Estates’ Dow’s 2021 Vale do Bomfim DOC Douro Red and 2022 Vale do Bomfim DOC Douro White (SRP $15, line priced) embody this very essence of the Douro Valley.
Initially made by the Symingtons to enjoy solely with family and friends, the commercial launch of Vale do Bomfim DOC Douro Red was destined after the wine received repeated complimentary remarks and encouragement. Vale do Bomfim DOC Douro White was added last year as the first line extension since the iconic brand’s table wine commercial launch in 2004.
Both wines are of unparalleled provenance, sourced from the renown Quinta do Bomfim in the Douro Valley, the very same vineyard that is the source of Dow's acclaimed Vintage Port. A beautiful train ride from Porto into the Douro Valley, stopping at the town of Pinhão, delivers one steps away from the visitors center at Bomfim. Here guests can enjoy guided tours of the Quinta and vineyard walks that offer a comprehensive sense of where these renowned wines begin their journey.
Testament to the Douro's rich terroir, 2021 Vale do Bomfim Red offers ripe berry aromas and hints of spice. Its balanced structure and lingering finish make for a perfect pairing with hearty dishes, cheeses, or even a quiet evening by the fire planning a return trip to Portugal. The grape variety mix is: 40% Touriga Nacional, 30% Tinta Roriz, 20% Touriga Franca and 10% Tinta Barroca.
Made from grapes sourced from the higher altitude vineyards that provide the ideal conditions for even maturation of white grape varieties, the varietal mix for 2022 Vale do Bomfim White is: 30% Viosinho 30% Rabigato 20% Gouveio 20% Arinto. The result is an elegant, balanced wine, with a refreshing crisp acidity that offers up zesty fruit flavors with lively freshness and saline minerality.
Sample.