Ramos Pinto is a distinguished port house with a rich history dating back to 1880, when Adriano Ramos Pinto founded the company in Vila Nova de Gaia, across the Douro River from Porto. He was renowned for his flair in both winemaking and promotion, quickly establishing the brand’s creative identity through original labels and bold, innovative blends. Under his stewardship, Ramos Pinto gained a reputation for quality and branding artistry that continues to define the house.

The producer’s vineyards lie within the Douro Valley, encompassing some of the region’s most elevated and well-regarded sites. Ramos Pinto owns estates such as Quinta de Ervamoira, Quinta do Bom Retiro, and Quinta de Duas Quintas. These vineyards are planted on steep schist terraces, where elevation, orientation and well-drained soils contribute to freshness, complexity, and balance. The estate’s holdings span a variety of microclimates—from cooler high-altitude plots to warmer valley exposures—giving winemakers a rich palette for crafting nuanced ports.

Over the years, Ramos Pinto has earned numerous accolades for its Vintage Ports and premium aged tawny Ports, consistently receiving high scores and critical acclaim for their elegance, depth and longevity. Their Vintage Ports, in particular, are celebrated for their vibrant fruit, defined structure and early accessibility compared with more austere traditional styles, while their aged tawny Ports are noted for complexity, length and silky finesse. All in all, Ramos Pinto remains a benchmark producer, marrying tradition with thoughtful innovation.

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.

Touriga Franca is one of Portugal’s most widely planted and important red grape varieties, particularly in the Douro Valley, where it plays a key role in the production of both Port and dry red wines. It is often blended with other native grapes like Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, and Tinta Barroca to create wines with complexity and balance.

Touriga Franca is valued for its elegance, aromatics, and reliable yields. While Touriga Nacional brings power and structure, Touriga Franca contributes finesse, floral notes, and supple texture. It typically offers aromas of red and black berries, violets, and subtle spice, with a smooth, rounded palate and soft tannins. In blends, it enhances aromatic lift and drinkability, while varietal expressions can show impressive depth and ageing potential.

Viticulturally, Touriga Franca is more vigorous and higher-yielding than Touriga Nacional, making it attractive to growers. It is relatively hardy, coping well with the Douro’s hot, dry climate and schistous soils. However, it requires careful canopy management to avoid excessive shading and ensure even ripening.

Though less internationally famous than Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca is essential to the character and success of many Douro wines, offering balance, floral charm, and consistency in both fortified and still wine styles.