Jorge Borges and Sandra Tavares have established a remarkable entity with Wine & Soul. Their journey began in May 2002 when I first encountered them during a visit to the Douro, a region renowned for its emerging table wines. At that time, Jorge was crafting wines for Niepoort, while Sandra was the winemaker at Quinta Vale Dona Maria and also involved with her family vineyard, Chocopalha, in Lisboa. In their late 20s, they produced their inaugural vintage of Pintas (2001) in an old Port lodge in Vale de Mendiz, which they had acquired from Niepoort. This exceptional wine arose from an ancient vineyard in the Pinhão valley, matured in a blend of new and used oak barrels, the latter sourced from Vale Dona Maria.
By 2003, they succeeded in acquiring the Pintas vineyard, spanning 2 hectares in the Pinhão Valley at 450 meters altitude, featuring a field blend of 40 different varieties. The following year, they introduced Guru, a white wine, along with Pintas Character, a negociant wine crafted from five old plots in Vale Mendiz, which included more than 30 varieties.
A significant milestone came in 2009 when they acquired Quinta do Manoella, home to a century-old vineyard and an additional 30-year-old plot. Located in a cooler microclimate of the Pinhão Valley, this property comprises about 40 hectares, with deeper schist soils enriched with clay. Remarkably, this estate had been in Jorge’s family for five generations, and he inherited it from his father, while his sister Margarida got Quinta do Fojo, known for a legendary 1996 vintage that has since become somewhat elusive in the wine scene.
The Wines
Quinta do Manoella Branco 2023 – This wine, from old high-altitude plots with granite-rich soil, undergoes fermentation and aging in tank and cement. It presents a linear structure with a stony quality, excelling in purity and precision. Scoring 93/100, it holds significant potential.
Vinha do Altar Reserva Branco 2023 – Sourced from a family farm at 600 meters elevation, this wine is exclusively made in stainless steel. It has energetic, stony mineral characteristics and precise citrus notes, also rated at 93/100.
Wine and Soul Guru 2022 – Originating from diverse transition soils, this wine is barrel fermented in predominantly old oak. It’s textured and mineral-driven, showcasing lively layers of white peach, pear, and citrus, achieving a score of 94/100.
Quinta do Manoella Rosé 2023 – This 100% Touriga Nacional wine, with 12.5% alcohol, has gentle pressing and a low-temperature ferment. It’s bright and delicate, offering precise citrus and cherry flavors, rated 91/100.
Quinta do Manoella Tinto 2022 – A product of a particularly hot vintage, this wine undergoes tank fermentation and spends 14 months in used French oak. It displays classic Douro typicity with fresh cherries and raspberries, receiving a score of 94/100.
Pintas Character 2021 – Vinified in lagares, this wine presents ripe textures with spicy and olive notes, good tannins, and herbal undertones. It’s energetic and firm, rated 94/100.
Pintas 2021 – Aged for 20 months in French oak with 30% new wood, it’s bold and vital with lovely details of black cherry and blackberry, scoring 95/100.
Quinta do Manoella VV 2021 – Composed mostly of Touriga Francesca, Rufete, and Bastardo, this wine impresses with its cherry and raspberry notes, good tannins, and freshness, earning a score of 95/100.
In addition to table wines, they’re also committed to producing Ports. Sandra emphasizes the importance of Port to their mission, as Jorge’s family has a legacy in Tawny Port production. They are gradually building stocks of Ports at Manoella.
Manoella 10 Extra Dry White Port NV – This wine is rich and nutty with a lingering spice, rated 92/100.
Manoella 10 White Port NV – Sweeter at 90 g/l, this Port offers a flavorful balance with spicy intensity, scoring 93/100.
Manoella 10 Years Tawny NV – This elegant Port, featuring old Ports, displays vibrancy with depth, rated 93/100.
Manoella 20 Years Tawny NV – Notable for its spicy complexity and fine expression, this wine scores 94/100.
Pintas Vintage Port 2021 – Deeply colored and luscious, this Port features incredible floral aromas alongside rich dark fruit flavors, receiving a score of 95/100.
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