Dow's Quinta da Senhora da Ribeira Vintage 2022

August maturation studies showed low sugar readings and acidity levels due to the drought. However, phenolic ripeness was advanced, and the thin skins of the Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca suggested we could produce wines with good structure. Given that the hot and dry weather was forecast to continue, we decided to start picking in the Douro Superior on 22nd August, including Senhora da Ribeira. This was the earliest we have ever picked grapes in the Douro.

The turning point came in the first week of September when average daytime temperatures thankfully dropped to between 22°C and 25°C, allowing maturations to progress evenly and gradually. At this time we began to pick our prime Touriga Nacional from the Vinha Grande plots at Senhora da Ribeira, which delivered very fine, deep-coloured wines with moderate baumés of 13°. Unsurprisingly, these wines provided the backbone of the Dow’s Senhora da Ribeira 2022 Vintage Port blend.