The wines of Quinta Vale Meao, Douro

New Douro 2004 tasting
The wines of Quinta do Vale Meão

F. Olazabal & Filhos, 5150-501 Vila Nova de Foz Coa, Portugal
E-mail : fjo@quintadovalemeao.pt

Francisco Olzabal, owner of Vale Meão and his daughter

The vineyards of Vale Meão were originally planted by Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira on 270 hectares of land purchased in 1877, high in the Douro Superior. These vineyards made the legendary Barca Velha when they were under the control of Sogrape, but are now owned by her great grandson, Francisco Javier de Olazabal. 65 hectares are under vine here, and there’s a mix of soil types, with some schist (normally the predominant soil type in the Douro), some granite and some alluvial gravel. Winemaking is in the hands of Francisco’s son Xito, and Vale Meão has in a relatively short period of time propelled itself to the top rank of Douro table wines.

The vineyards of Vale Meao in the Douro Superior

Meandro 2004
This is the second wine, and it’s pretty smart. Smooth, sweet dark fruits nose. Lovely structured palate with supple, elegant sweet fruit and a hint of earthiness. A ripe style of red wine with real appeal and more than a hint of elegance. Very good/excellent 92/100

Quinta do Vale Meão 2004
Very expressive nose shows sweet, dark, ripe, liqueur-like fruit with a chocolatey edge. Quite dense. The palate is concentrated and dense with lovely ripe fruit and smooth tannic structure keeping it in check. Lovely concentration to this lush, ripe wine. Very good/excellent 94/100