Douro DOC

Portugal's Douro Valley might be famous for Port, but its dry red wines – like this remarkable field blend from Boavida – deserve just as much attention. 'Field blend' means multiple grape varieties are planted together in the same vineyard and harvested and fermented together – an old-school approach that creates wines of unique complexity and character. These old vines (some over 80 years old) grow in the Douro's dramatic terraced vineyards, where schist soils and extreme conditions force the vines to dig deep, producing grapes of remarkable concentration and complexity. The name 'Boavida' means 'good life' in Portuguese, and there's certainly something life-affirming about a wine with this much personality and sense of place. It offers the rich fruit and structure you might expect from much more expensive wines from better-known regions, with a distinctive Portuguese accent that makes it stand out from the crowd. Perfect for those looking to explore beyond the usual suspects into one of Europe's most exciting wine regions.

Mary Taylor's partnership with winemaker Felipe Ferreira brings us this authentic expression of Portugal's famed Douro Valley – a region better known for Port but increasingly recognized for its exceptional dry reds. This bottle showcases the remarkable potential of traditional Portuguese varieties grown on the region's steep, terraced vineyards. Ferreira's deep knowledge of the Douro and commitment to expressing its unique terroir shines through in this wine. The blend of native varieties delivers a character that's distinctly Portuguese – robust yet refined, with layers of complexity that unfold with each sip. Mary Taylor's approach of highlighting talented regional producers allows wine drinkers to experience genuine Douro character without corporate markup or marketing fluff. It's the vinous equivalent of having a well-connected friend introduce you to the best local spots – authentic, memorable, and far from the tourist traps.