Dow’s Vale do Bomfim Douro Red 2023, Douro DOC, Portugal

Vale do Bomfim is the Douro red from Dow’s, the historic Port house owned by the Symington family, and takes its name from Quinta do Bomfim, the family’s estate near Pinhão. It blends the Douro’s great native grapes, Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz and Tinta Barroca, grown on the steep schist slopes of the Cima Corgo, and is made with modern vinification and gentle oak handling to keep it juicy and supple.

In the glass it is a deep, dark ruby. The nose is generous, with ripe blackberry, plum and dark cherry, along with hints of spice and wild Douro herbs. The palate is smooth and full of flavour, with dark chocolate and liquorice notes, soft tannins and a fresh, balanced finish.

Serve at around 16–18°C. It is excellent with grilled meats, roast pork, lamb, sausages, pizza, pasta and hard cheeses, and is very versatile for everyday meals. Drink it now and over the next few years.

Vale do Bomfim is the table-wine label of Dow’s, one of the Douro’s great historic Port houses, owned by the Symington family. The Symingtons became partners in Dow’s in 1912 and have been sole owners since 1961, and Quinta do Bomfim, near Pinhão in the Cima Corgo, has been at the heart of Dow’s since the late 19th century. Vale do Bomfim draws on schist vineyards around Pinhão, both family-owned and from long-standing partner growers, to show the generous, balanced side of the Douro in an easy, approachable style. Symington Family Estates was the first wine company in Portugal to achieve B Corp certification, reflecting its long commitment to sustainability, its vineyard workers and the Douro’s farming communities.