Built in the early 18th century Morgadio da Calçada is one of the most important manor houses in the Douro town of Provesende.
The quinta has a long history of wine and port production but more recently the project has been taken over by one of Portugal’s most celebrated winemakers Dirk Niepoort.
This white, €9.95 at Apolónia, is a good example of a barrel fermented Douro under the €10 mark.
This 2010, a few bottles of which are still on the market, has aged very well in the bottle. The wine is made from a typical Douro blend of Codega, Rabigato, Viosinho, Arinto and Malvasia Fina grapes, partially fermented on the lees in new French oak barrels.
Good acidity has helped maintain the freshness of the wine on the palate whilst the oak is very well integrated. PATRICK STUART
