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White pear, lemon zest, flint, straw.

Northern Portugal’s Douro region is where Port Wine was created in the 1670’s. British merchants who had settled there discovered that adding brandy to local table wine created a whole category of wine, which quickly became popular in England. Over 300 years later, the Douro region remains synonymous with Port wine but table wines are increasingly important.
Quinta de Cidrô is part of the Real Companhia Velha, which is the largest owner of premium land in the Douro Valley. According to historical information, vines were first planted on the Quinta de Cidrô in the early 19th century when the imposing Palácio was built by the first Marquis de Soveral. Cidrô continued to belong to the Soveral family, which included Luis de Soveral, Ambassador to the Court of St. James and a personal friend of King Edward VII. Real Companhia Velha bought this prestigious Quinta in 1972 and since then has been carrying out a large program of reconversion, including the interiors of the house and the vineyards.

This wine’s zesty flavors and humming acidity make it compatible with exactly the sorts of food that are great with lemon squeezed over them: grilled or baked seafood, fresh vegetables with a little butter, roasted chicken and even meat dishes like veal piccata. Adding citrus fruits, oils or essences to seasonings will pick up the citrusy notes in the wine and add a touch of acidity.

The Douro was the first officially demarcated wine region in history.