23 November 2011
We are renovating our Photo Galleries with new images and a new format. Whilst we work on that, here are a few images to enchant you.
Note that you can click on any photo to see it in a larger format, but you will need to click your browser back button to return to this page.
The spectacular Quinta dos Malvedos, located in the heart of the Douro region, was acquired by the Graham’s family in 1890, and the wines from Malvedos have been the backbone of our Vintage ports ever since. Located on the Douro River facing south, the grapes benefit from the remarkably consistent climate which characterises the central Douro region (the Cima Corgo) and the full exposure to the summer sun, which means near perfect ripening conditions.
View from the top of Graham's Quinta dos Malvedos
Just upriver from Malvedos is our Quinta do Tua, which was acquired for Graham’s in 2006. The legendary Dona Antónia Ferreira established the quinta in 1834 and used it as a base of operations whilst building more properties upriver. This quinta is also situated on the north bank of the Douro, and the majority of vineyards face full south, however there are spectacular walled vineyards built above and around the house on the south-west to west facing bluff where the Tua River runs into the Douro.
Graham's Quinta do Tua
Also in the heart of the Cima Corgo, but just down river from Malvedos is Quinta da Vila Velha. This quinta is privately owned by one of the Symington family, and the wines from Vila Velha’s grapes go into Graham’s Ports as well. Located on the southern bank of the Douro but in a curve of the river this quinta faces largely west – which gives it a slightly later and cooler maturation cycle than Malvedos and Tua.
Quinta da Vila Velha seen from the river one evening during harvest
If you were to continue downriver to just west of Pinhão, there is a tiny twisted river, suitably named the Rio Torto, which runs south from the Douro. The Rio Torto valley has been known for making some of the best Ports for as long as Port has been made. There, we have the Quinta das Lages which has been supplying its grapes to Graham’s for over a century. In this narrow twisted valley with its intensely hot microclimate the largely north-facing aspect of Lages is an advantage, as well as its height – up to 400 metres.
Graham's Quinta das Lages in the heart of the Rio Torto Valley
Finally, Quinta de Vale de Malhadas, another quinta privately owned by Symington family members, also contributes to the Graham’s blends. Situated on the south bank of the river deep in the Douro Superior, its north facing aspect is, as at Lages, a boon in an extremely hot, dry, challenging region.
Graham's Quinta de Vale de Malhadas in the Douro Superior
If you want to refresh your geography of the Douro, here is a map of the region:
Map of the Douro DOC region with the Symington Family Estates Vineyards
Finally, there are a few people you need to know, starting with the five members of the Symington Family currently active in the business: left to right, Charles, Paul, Dominic, Johnny and Rupert.
Charles, Paul, Dominic, Johnny and Rupert Symington
Three more people you need to know: Henry Shotton, the winemaker at Quinta dos Malvedos during harvest, Alexandre Mariz who is responsible for the viticulture year round at both Malvedos and Tua, and Sr. Arlindo, the caseiro resident year round at Malvedos, responsible for the management of both Malvedos and Tua.
Henry Shotton, Alexandre Mariz and Arlindo Pereira
