Port & the Douro

The Intelligent Guides to Wines and Top Vineyards focus on classic wine-producing regions. This guide discusses the wines of the Douro, including all styles of Port and dry red wines. The guide is divided into two parts. The first part of the guide discusses the regions, and explains the character and range of the wines. The second part profiles the producers. There are detailed profiles of leading houses, showing how each winemaker interprets the local character, and mini-profiles of other important houses and quintas. Description of each area includes its geography, the grape varieties that are grown, how these relate to the styles of wines that are produced, wines from entry level to icons, currents trends and how styles are evolving. Reference wines are recommended for each type of Port or dry wine. The guide is illustrated with photographs of each area, topological maps to show the terrain, road maps to identify the locations of estates, and information on recent vintages. Profiles range from dominant houses who may dominate an appellation to small quintas that define the cutting edge. The profiles identify the best of tradition and innovation in the region. Each profile describes the producer's aims for his wines, and the personality and philosophy behind them. Reference wines are suggested for each house, together with essential information for planning a visit, including address and map location, phone and email contact details, and whether appointments are needed. This Guide is the indispensable means for understanding the Douro, tasting Port and dry wines, and finding the top producers. It is regularly updated to have the latest information.