Port, the sweet fortified sipper’s ambrosia, is native to only the 70-mile long Douro River valley in northern Portugal. Here, terraced vineyards climb the steep river banks and the grapes struggle to ripen in the rocky soil. When they are crushed and begin to ferment, that process is stopped early with the addition of clear brandy. Port is named after the city of Oporto at the Atlantic mouth of the Douro. It was created in the early 19th century when it was fortified by adding spirits to enable it to survive ocean shipping to England.

The Douro Vineyards are planted with Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, Touriga Francesa, Touriga Nacional and Alvarinho, indigenous varietals, which, in addition to Ports, can be vinified for dry table wines. Mitchell Wines works with Broadbent Selections, famed English authorities on Madeira and Port, to offer the finest of the Douro region bottlings, including dry table wines.

DOURO
Broadbent Selections
Vinho Verde, the most popular white wine from Portugal, is a deliciously refreshing, light wine with gentle spritz. “Verde”, meaning “green”, refers to the hints of lime color. Broadbent Vinho Verde is imported in refrigerated containers to maintain its quality. The result is the freshest tasting Vinho Verde on the market. Mitchell Wines also offers a selection of Broadbent’s highly respected Madeiras and a reserve Port.

A.A. Ferreira
The only Port company founded by a family of Douro winegrowers, A.A. Ferreira is renowned for its incomparable pairing of premium vineyards and colorful history. Located in the home of Port wine, the Upper Douro Valley, Ferreira’s quintas have been officially classified amongst the best sites. Ferreira is the best-selling Port in Portugal, and commands over one third of the significant world Port market. Mitchell Wines carries the Ferreira table wines, under the Casa Ferreirinha label, as well as a full line of ports.

Quinta do Crasto
The modern winemaking era of Quinta do Crasto dates back as far as 1615, but its Roman ruins suggest earlier viticultural activity. For years, the vineyard, owned by the Roquette family, sold its grapes to A.A. Ferreira until a revision in shipping laws made it possible for Quinta do Crasto to ship its own Port. Besides Port, Quinta do Crasto has been producing high-quality single quinta table wines in the Douro Valley since 1994. Modern winemaking facilities, combined with the use of traditional Douro varietals like Tinta Roriz and Touriga Nacional, have earned Quinta do Crasto tremendous international acclaim for its range of table wines. Quinta do Crasto has now been restored to its rightful status as one of the great, top family estates of the Douro.

ADORIGOA
Quinto do Tedo
Mitchell Wines stocks vintage ports from this estate owned by Vincent Bouchard, scion of a French wine family. He trained with California’s Robert Mondavi prior to purchasing this historic Portugese property. These Ports have received critics’ praise such as “delicious, ripe, forward and seductive” and “big on the mouth with lush texture”.