Douro Tinto Reserva, Macanita, Douro 2023

Maçanita Vinhos, Peso da Régua, Douro

The Maçanita Vinhos project was created by characterful siblings, Joana and António Maçanita, in the Douro back in 2011.

Having worked together in over 14 wineries around the country, they wanted the new project to reflect their experiences and aspirations: lots of laughter, lots of arguments and an ethos of questioning the existing way of doing things. Over the intervening years, Maçanita Vinhos have managed to encompass the diversity of the terroir of the Douro Valley in its purest and most faithful form. The wines of Maçanita express each facet of this spectacular landscape: the “high-altitude Douro”, the “hot schist Douro”, the “cold granite Douro” all through indigenous grape varieties from old vines and a non-interventionist approach.

Grown on schist terraces at high elevations in the Cima Corgo sub-region, where cooler nights preserve natural acidity and aromatic clarity. The vineyards are sustainably farmed, with low yields and a focus on native varietals.

Hand-harvested grapes are sorted and fermented with native yeasts in stainless steel. A portion of the wine is matured in used French oak barrels for 9–12 months, adding polish and complexity while keeping the fruit expression at the fore. Minimal intervention allows the Douro’s rugged terroir to speak clearly.

A bold yet refined Douro red, brimming with aromas of black cherry, wild herbs, and crushed violets, underpinned by hints of graphite, cocoa, and liquorice. The palate is structured but fresh, with juicy dark fruit, fine tannins, and a mineral core that drives a long, elegant finish.

Grapes: 64% Sousão, 30% Touriga Nacional, 6% blend of tradicional Douro varieties