Pormenor Vinhos is a small, forward-thinking winery based in the Douro Valley, Portugal. Founded by winemaker Pedro Coelho in the 2010s, Pormenor seeks to highlight the character of high-altitude Douro vineyards, often planted on old vines grown on schist or granite soils.

Their philosophy emphasises minimal intervention, “less-is-more” approach that lets the terroir and fruit speak.

As well as the “Ginga” Nat-Cool reds, they produce a more classical Douro red under the “Pormenor Tinto” label and other small-batch wines — offering both light, easy-drinking wines and more structured, traditional Douro expressions.

Their work has attracted attention for combining approachable drinkability with respect for the Douro’s heritage vines and 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.