Quinta de Roriz

The Quinta de Roriz is located along a lovely two-mile stretch of the Douro River between Pinhão and Tua.  The vineyard is situated on the South bank of the river, an ideal positioning for the production of the region’s best wines. 

The classic schistous soil of the Upper Douro predominates, but the soil composition and structure are particular to this property. The Quinta also has tin and traces of gold. Robert Archibald, a Scotsman, acquired the property from a religious Order, "Comenda das Tres Minas da Ordem de Christo" which during the 17th century exploited the rich ore deposits of the property. The mining activities at Roriz date back to this time and only ceased after the 2nd World War.

During the late 18th Century, Robert Archibald laid out the vineyard.  He used vines imported from Burgundy and a varietal that is now known as Tinta Francisca.  To this day, Tinta Francisca and other less common varietals such as Sousão (which contributes excellent color and acidity), and Tinta Amarela (produces aromatic and balanced wines) have been meticulously maintained alongside the five classic varietals found in the Douro.  The quality of these grapes provides a consistent complexity, concentration and tannic structure to the wines produced at Roriz. The unique mineral structure also brings a strong individual personality to the wines.

Quinta de Perdiz

The vineyards of the Douro and Bordeaux can be said to be amongst the finest in the world. They both have a history of producing some of the world’s greatest wines over many centuries. The wines from these two regions have evolved very differently, each achieving world-wide recognition for their excellence.

The Symington family have been producing Port since 1882 and own some of the finest Port Companies: Warre, Dow, Graham and Quinta do Vesuvio, all specialising in Vintage Ports. Bruno Prats is a leading Bordeaux winemaker and former owner of Chateau Cos d’Estournel. He continues to produce wine in Chile.

In 1998, the two families resolved to embark on a project to make a top class red wine in the Douro. After four generations in Portugal, the Symington family have an unrivalled knowledge of the Douro vineyards. Bruno Prats has a legendary reputation as the producer of great, complex and elegant Bordeaux wines. Both families were convinced that the Douro was capable of producing a red wine of great distinction.

In 1999, a few experimental ‘lots’ were made in order to identify the most suitable grape varieties and to judge the quality potential. The 2000 Chryseia was the first release.