Quinta do Vale Meão is a historic estate in the Douro Superior, northern Portugal — founded in 1877 when Antónia Adelaide Ferreira purchased virgin land to create a model vineyard.

The estate remains in the hands of her descendants (the Olazabal family), who produce both fortified Ports and red and table wines from their old-vine vineyards.

Besides the 10-year Tawny, they produce a classic Douro red blend (their “Meão” and second-label “Meandro”), single-vineyard wines, and a Vintage Port.

The estate’s long tradition, combined with careful vineyard selection and ageing in wood, enables Vale Meão to craft wines that reflect Douro terroir with real finesse

The Douro Valley, located in northern Portugal, is one of the world’s oldest and most strikingly beautiful wine regions. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is the historic heartland of Port production and increasingly known for high-quality still wines.

The region is defined by the Douro River and its steep, terraced vineyards carved into rugged schist hillsides. The climate is hot and dry in summer, with cold winters and low annual rainfall—particularly in the eastern Douro Superior. These harsh conditions, combined with poor, rocky soils, result in low yields but highly concentrated, characterful grapes.

The Douro is divided into three sub-regions: Baixo Corgo, with a cooler, wetter climate and lighter wines; Cima Corgo, the traditional core of premium Port production; and Douro Superior, the driest and most remote, now producing increasingly sought-after wines.

Port is typically made from a blend of indigenous grape varieties, each contributing distinct qualities. The most important include Touriga Nacional (structure and aromatics), Touriga Franca (elegance), Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo – backbone), Tinta Barroca, and Tinto Cão. Grapes are often foot-trodden in traditional lagares before fortification.

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.