At a glance

Producer

João Nicolau d’Almeida & Filhos

Region

Douro, Douro Valley, Portugal

Grape variety

Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Smooth

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$25-$35

Tasting profile

Rich black fruit (blackberry, plum), floral hints (violet), with spice and subtle earthiness.

Evolution: Develops more complex tertiary aromas of leather, tobacco, and dried herbs over 5-8 years.

At peak: Balanced integration of fruit and tertiary notes with silky tannins and lingering finish.

Structure

Acidity

Medium acidity, bright enough to balance richness

Tannins

Medium to medium-plus, fine-grained

Alcohol

Approximately 13.5-14%

Aging potential

10-15 years due to quality of fruit and traditional Douro winemaking

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2025 to 2030

Optimal window

2022 to 2032

Current status

Ready to drink with good mid-term aging potential

Current condition

The wine is currently accessible with fresh fruit and balanced tannin structure.

The 2017 vintage in Douro was well-structured with ripe but balanced tannins and acidity, allowing a drinking window of at least 10-15 years. Peak drinking aligns with secondary characteristics developing around 8-13 years post-vintage.

Food pairing

Grilled red meats, game dishes, aged cheeses, hearty stews, or rich Mediterranean cuisine with herbs and spices.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (30-60 minutes) — To soften tannins and allow aromatics to open for fuller expression.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

João Nicolau d’Almeida & Filhos emphasize manual vineyard management, reduced chemical inputs, and minimal intervention winemaking, with efforts toward water conservation and soil preservation.

While no formal organic/biodynamic certifications were found, the producer demonstrates sustainable farming practices typical for quality Douro estates, including manual harvests and careful vineyard stewardship. Packaging is standard glass bottle with standard cork closure. Overall sustainability score reflects moderate sustainability commitment with room for formal certification improvement.