Conceito Vinhos Conceito Douro Vinho Tinto 2019

Portugal’s wine landscape is brimming with tradition and innovation. Here, wines are born from sun-drenched hillsides and ancient vines, telling tales of heritage and terroir. Portugal boasts an impressive array of indigenous grape varieties, lending unique aromas and character to its wines. »Conceito Vinhos Conceito Douro Vinho Tinto 2019« embodies this essence, a true reflection of Portuguese winemaking tradition.

Douro – A Unique Terroir

Douro is more than just a wine region; it’s a breathtaking landscape in northern Portugal. The Douro River snakes its way between steep slopes, terraced to create vineyards. Schist soils and a continental climate define the terroir. The combination of sun, wind, and poor soils creates unique conditions. Vines dig deep, seeking nutrients in mineral-rich layers. Traditional manual labour is essential, allowing for the cultivation of these steep slopes. Douro is one of Europe’s oldest wine regions, and its wines enjoy a high reputation worldwide, known for their power and complexity.

»Conceito Vinhos Conceito Douro Vinho Tinto 2019« – A Field Blend of Old Vines

This Portuguese red wine is a special creation, uniting tradition and expertise from Conceito Vinhos. »Conceito Vinhos Conceito Douro Vinho Tinto 2019« is a “Field blend” – meaning it’s a harmonious blend of various grape varieties. Rufete, Tinta Amarela, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, and Touriga Franca contribute to its complexity, each imparting unique aromas and structure. Some of the vines are over 80 years old, their roots deeply embedded in the schist soil, delivering exceptional quality, concentrating aromas and minerality.

Vintage 2019 – Favourable Conditions

The 2019 vintage in Portugal was characterised by sunny conditions, with mild temperatures and sufficient rainfall ensuring optimal ripening. The grapes developed harmoniously, resulting in a wine with structure and concentrated flavours. »Conceito Vinhos Conceito Douro Vinho Tinto 2019« reflects these conditions, perfectly capturing the essence of the Douro terroir and offering excellent ageing potential.

Flavour Profile – Dark Fruit Aromas

A glass of »Conceito Vinhos Conceito Douro Vinho Tinto 2019« transports you to a world of Portuguese aromas. It shimmers a deep purple in the glass. Dark fruits like blackcurrant, blueberry, and plum dominate the nose, complemented by notes of violet, ink, graphite, and leather. On the palate, it presents a clear and crisp structure, with well-integrated tannins. Flavours of tonka bean, cocoa, and sweet tobacco intertwine with the fruit notes. The finish is long and complex, leaving a pleasant impression. This is a dry wine with an elegant structure.

Vinification – Traditional Craftsmanship

Conceito Vinhos employs traditional winemaking techniques. Grapes are carefully hand-harvested, with particular attention paid to the “Field blend” approach, allowing all grape varieties to ferment together, ensuring unique complexity. A week-long maceration extracts aromas and colour. The wine then matures for 22 months in French oak barrels, 50% of which are new. This Barrique ageing imparts additional aromas and structure, a process that is a blend of tradition and innovation.

Food & Enjoyment – A Perfect Pairing

This Portuguese red wine is an ideal accompaniment to a wide range of dishes. It pairs exceptionally well with grilled or braised meats, such as succulent roast beef or lamb cutlets. Hearty stews and mature cheeses are also excellent choices. Serve it at 16–18°C and decant to fully release its aromas. »Conceito Vinhos Conceito Douro Vinho Tinto 2019« is more than just a drink; it’s a pleasure for discerning wine enthusiasts.

Conceito Vinhos – A Vision

Conceito Vinhos is a family-run business, spearheaded by Carla Costa Ferreira and her daughter, Rita Ferreira Marques. They took the bold step of elevating grapes from their own vineyards, determined to showcase the uniqueness of the terroir. Conceito Vinhos has quickly established a reputation for quality and innovation, with labels designed by João Noutel, which are a work of art in themselves, reflecting the philosophy of the house.

Bottle & Label – Art Meets Tradition

The bottle of »Conceito Vinhos Conceito Douro Vinho Tinto 2019« is striking, shimmering a deep green in the light. The label is a colourful collage design, featuring geometric shapes, checks, and abstract drawings, making it truly unique. A black oval frame surrounds an empty circle, creating a modern and artistic aesthetic that underscores the wine’s individuality.

Quality – DOC

»Conceito Vinhos Conceito Douro Vinho Tinto 2019« is a wine with DOC quality. DOC stands for Denominação de Origem Controlada, guaranteeing the origin and quality of the wine. It confirms that the wine has been produced using traditional methods and originates from a specific region. DOC wines are a mark of the highest quality.

Price – A Valuable Investment

Priced at approximately £33, »Conceito Vinhos Conceito Douro Vinho Tinto 2019« offers excellent value for money. It represents a worthwhile investment, given its quality and terroir, and is a wine perfect for special occasions.

Grape Varieties – Harmony

Rufete, Tinta Amarela, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, and Touriga Franca unite to create a harmonious whole, each grape variety contributing its own aromas and characteristics. Rufete provides structure, Tinta Amarela imparts red fruit flavours, Touriga Nacional adds complexity, Tinta Roriz contributes colour and spice, and Touriga Franca lends elegant structure.

Maturation – Careful Ageing

Delestage, a week-long maceration, and 20 months in French oak barrels (50% new) define the maturation process. These techniques ensure optimal ageing, extracting aromas and tannins, and imparting structure and complexity. Maturation is a crucial factor in the wine’s quality.

A Nod to Dirk van der Niepoort

Rita Ferreira Marques learned from Dirk van der Niepoort, a pioneer in the Portuguese wine world. She embraced his philosophy, recognising the importance of vine age over grape variety, and sharing his passion for complex white wines. This inspiration is reflected in her wines.

Women in Wine

Conceito Vinhos is an example of female entrepreneurial spirit. Carla Costa Ferreira and her daughter, Rita Ferreira Marques, have built a successful business, championing quality and innovation, and serving as role models for women in the wine world.

Regional Significance

Conceito Vinhos has become a significant player in the Douro region, contributing to the local economy, creating jobs, and promoting tourism, acting as an ambassador for Portuguese wine.

Conclusion

»Conceito Vinhos Conceito Douro Vinho Tinto 2019« is an exceptional Portuguese red wine, uniting tradition and innovation. It embodies the essence of the Douro Valley. With its complex aroma profile, elegant structure, and excellent ageing potential, it’s a pleasure for discerning wine lovers – a true reflection of Portuguese winemaking tradition and an expression of female entrepreneurial spirit. A wine that tells a story, inspires, and deserves to be enjoyed.

More info and to the store