Poeira Vinha da Torre Tinto 2017/2018

Poeira Vinha da Torre Tinto 2018 is a top-quality, very elegant red made by renowned winemaker Jorge Moreira at Quinta do Poeira, in Portugal's Douro region. This wine comes from a special, very rare plot of old vines planted in 1950 in Covas do Douro, at about 400 metres. The result is a profile focused on balance, freshness and pure expression of terroir, far from the region's overly heavy or alcoholic reds.

The Wine Advocate
RP 96

Reviewed by: Mark Squires

The 2017 Vinha da Torre is a field blend at 14% alcohol. From old vines (about 90 years old), it aged for 24 months in French oak, 20% new. It opens with finesse, in a seductive register, but this young red isn't exactly shy. It's also far from ready to drink. As it breathes, the tannins start to show and the wine gains tension. It goes from restrained to powerful in an instant. The mid-palate elegance is always admirable, but the structure says it needs a few more years in the cellar — and it probably won't be at its peak even then. Aromatic, fresh and marked by savoury strawberry notes, this precise red looks like a big winner, but still has something to prove in bottle. This is the first year I've tasted it, so we start here and will follow its development over time.

Winemaker and owner Jorge Moreira said, describing this new vineyard:
"Since we bought Quinta do Poeira in 2001, we knew we'd have to find another old vineyard. But it was extremely hard to find one with the quality standards we wanted. After many years of searching, we finally found the ideal one."

According to him, the vineyard in Covas do Douro has two north-facing hectares planted in 1950, at 300 to 400 metres, with very healthy plants and an excellent mix of grapes, including a large share of some of his favourites: Tinta Bastardinha (Alfrocheiro), Baga, Rufete, Moreto, Tinta Amarela and Touriga Francesa.

He added that he believes this vineyard is "one of the best in the Douro. And that explains why we paid more than double the price of the region's most expensive vineyards. There, we pick late, with great ripeness but low alcohol. We select the best grapes and the best barrels to make Poeira Quinta da Torre."

Published: 31 August 2022