Expect dark cherry, blackberry, plum, dried herb, leather, schist-driven minerality, and refined oak with full body, structured tannins, and bright acidity. Douro reds are increasingly recognized as among Europe's most distinctive structured wines. The 2020 Portuguese vintage was good.
- Varietal
- Touriga Nacional-dominant Douro blend (typically with Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz/Tempranillo, and Tinto Cão — the traditional Port grapes used for dry table wine)
- Region
- Portugal / Douro Valley
- Body
- Full
- Style
- dry red, structured, oak-aged, distinctive
The producer
Quinta do Vale Meão is one of the Douro Valley's most prestigious estates, originally established by the family that founded Casa Ferreirinha (makers of the legendary Barca Velha — Portugal's most prestigious wine). Meandro is the estate's second wine, sitting below the flagship Quinta do Vale Meão bottling.
What critics say
Meandro consistently receives strong reviews as one of the Douro's best-value premium reds.
Pairing
Grilled lamb chops, slow-roasted lamb shoulder, hard aged cheeses