Recently, opportunities have developed to procure Port wines directly from growers, and the result has been fascinating - and delicious. Contracts in one of the oldest appellations in the world (1756) are expiring, very long term contracts between the growers up along the Douro River, and the large houses who have commercialized their wine. So Grower Port is now a thing. That means farming families now have the opportunity to commercialize their own wines, crafted in their own style. Diversity is a beautiful thing. 

Domingos Ribeiro purchased an ancient Quinta in the Douro, subregion Cima Corgo, in 2001. This is a rugged landscape, with blazing hot days and cold nights. Terraced vineyards cling to the riverbanks on near vertical slopes. Grapes are planted in an incredible terrain of pure schistous and granite stone, which radiate heat back to the vines at night - there is often no sign at all of “soil.” Vineyards are hand harvested by law, protected by UNESCO designation, and at any rate, too steep and too narrowly terraced to accommodate a tractor. 

Quinta da Levandeira do Roncão is located only 9km from Pinhão, in the very heart of the Port production area in the Cima Corgo, on the right (south facing) bank of the river. The vineyard encompasses 45 hectares, planted to Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca and Tinta Barroca for the red wines, and Malvasia Fina, Rabigato, Gouveio and Códega for the whites. In addition, along with the purchase of the Quinta came an enviable stock of old Port wines. The family’s mission is to produce exceptional wines from grapes grown exclusively on the estate. The company is taking full advantage of the stock of old Port that was part of the purchase. The 20 year White Port is breathtaking. Old Vintage Port is also available. 

The quinta’s annual production averages around 200,000 bottles of Port and still wine. The 45 hectares of vineyards average around 20 years of age, many having been ripped and replanted following the purchase in 2001. However, there are still blocks of old vines, over 50 years old.

Stylistically, the quinta veers away from making wines that are too sweet, preferring a more balanced approach. Red Port wines are made in two styles, Ruby and Tawny, and DR Ports does both styles equally well. Fermentations are stopped with the addition of high-quality aguardente vínica, of 77% ABV. Vintage and LBV Ports are not filtered. Sulfur usage is as low as possible. 

Current selections include a range of entry level ports that we think offer unbelievable quality for the price. All three selections - White, Ruby, and Tawny - are stunning examples of what can be achieved when a single Quinta focuses its attention on producing an “everyday” wine, with a lovely vinous quality showing through the wines inherent sweetness. In addition, we are handling a 20 Year Old White Port that is, to use a technical term, fantastically delicious. The 10 Year Tawny is, according to the winery, the flagship product, and it is stunning. Finally, the Vintage gives us a peak at the gorgeous, schistous terroir and the combination of classic varietals that is simply unavailable with the non-vintage products.