Alves de Sousa is based in the Douro Valley, Portugal, centred on the family estate Quinta da Gaivosa. The family began supplying grapes and wine to Port houses, but in 1987 the current generation — led by Domingos Alves de Sousa — decided to produce their own still wines.

Their vineyards include many old vines across several quintas; the estate now produces both red and white table wines and fortified Ports.

Their philosophy is to craft approachable, youthful wines from newer plantings — often blends of indigenous varieties — offering a gentler, more accessible expression of Douro terroir.

The Douro Valley, carved by the River Douro through steep, terraced hillsides, is Portugal’s cradle for powerful, characterful still wines as well as Port. Shielded from Atlantic influence by the Serra do Marão, the climate is markedly continental: hot, dry summers and cold winters, with scarce rainfall. Conditions vary by subregion—cooler, wetter Baixo Corgo; the classic, balanced Cima Corgo; and the hotter, drier Douro Superior—while altitude (200–700+ metres), aspect and relentless summer winds shape ripening and preserve acidity.

Soils are predominantly fractured schist with pockets of granite. The thin, stony profiles and schist’s fissures force deep rooting, naturally limiting vigour and concentrating flavour. Traditional “socalcos” and modern “patamares” terraces tame the slopes, and old-vine field blends (vinhas velhas) remain a hallmark.

Red varieties dominate: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo), Tinta Barroca and Tinto Cão lead the charge, yielding deeply coloured, structured wines with dark cherry, blackberry and plum, violet florals, schistous minerality, and firm yet polished tannins. Whites from higher, cooler sites—Rabigato, Viosinho, Gouveio and Arinto among others—offer citrus and stone-fruit profiles with a saline, textural finish; oak is used judiciously for complexity rather than weight.

Styles range from vibrant, earlier-drinking reds to serious, ageworthy cuvées and elegant, mineral-driven whites

Touriga Nacional is widely regarded as Portugal’s finest red grape variety, known for its deep colour, intense aromatics, and powerful structure. Indigenous to the Dão region, it is now most famously associated with the Douro Valley, where it plays a leading role in both Port and dry red wine production. The variety has also found success in other regions, including Alentejo, Bairrada, and even internationally in countries like South Africa and Australia.

Aromatically, Touriga Nacional offers a rich bouquet of dark fruits such as blackberry, blackcurrant, and plum, alongside floral notes of violet and rose. It often shows spicy, herbal undertones and, with age, can develop complex hints of liquorice, leather, and cedar. On the palate, it delivers bold tannins, vibrant acidity, and excellent ageing potential.

Despite its high quality, Touriga Nacional poses several viticultural challenges. It is naturally low yielding and has small, thick-skinned berries, which contribute to its concentration but can reduce productivity. The vine is also vigorous and requires careful canopy management to ensure balanced fruit ripening and optimal exposure.

Thanks to its resilience, depth, and distinctive character, Touriga Nacional remains a cornerstone of Portuguese winemaking and a benchmark for quality in both blended and varietal wines.