PLEASE NOTE: This is a recurring auction. The seal number(s) you see on the photos might differ from the one(s) on your bottle(s). 2021 Meandro do Vale Meão Red 6 x 0.75L DESCRIPTION In 1877, Antónia Adelaide Ferreira, owner of the largest winemaking estate in the Douro, purchased 300 hectares of virgin land at auction from the Vila Nova de Foz Côa municipality. Her dream was to create a model vineyard from nothing, using for this the vast experience she had acquired throughout a lifetime as a Douro landowner. This ambitious project took eight years to complete, from 1887 to 1895. Sadly, this grand lady’s pleasure in her last and most significant enterprise was of short duration as she died in 1896. Since then, the estate always remained in the hands of her descendants. In the 1970s, her great-great-great-grandson, Francisco Javier de Olazabal became responsible for its management and he began the long and laborious process of acquiring the shares that belonged to his kin and to other co-owners of the property. In 1994, he and his children became the sole owners of the Quinta. Until then, the grapes from the estate were sold to A.A. Ferreira S.A., the company established by Dona Antónia’s descendants, where they formed the basis of some its finest wines. This connection continued until 1998 when Francisco Javier de Olazabal resigned as Managing Director of A.A. Ferreira S.A. to dedicate himself, together with his oenologist son Francisco de Olazabal y Nicolau de Almeida, to producing, ageing and marketing the wines from the Quinta through a new company, F. Olazabal & Filhos Lda. Today, Francisco, Luísa, and Jaime are part of the company’s management, each in their own role while sharing the same passion for wine. From one harvest to another, they respect tradition and keep their minds open to innovation. The entire Olazabal family brings enthusiasm to the company and contributes to the perpetuity of D. Antónia’s project to make Vale Meão a model Estate in its own time. WINEMAKER: Francisco Olazabal. AWARDS/RECOMMENDATIONS 92 Points, Wine Enthusiast (2019 Vintage) 91 Points, Falstaff (2020 Vintage) 92 Points, Wine Spectator (2018 Vintage) 93 Points, Revista Adega (2019 Vintage) 89 Points, Vinum Magazine (2019 Vintage) 88-89 Points, VertdeVin (2020 Vintage) 16.5 Points, Jancis Robinson (2020 Vintage) 16.5 Points, Vinho Grandes Escolhas (2019 Vintage) WINE VARIETIES: Touriga Nacional (45%), Touriga Franca (38%), Tinta Roriz (10%), Tinta Barroca (3%) & Alicante Bouschet (2%). VINIFICATION After being crushed, the grapes were cooled down and trodden by foot during four hours in granite lagares and then transferred to small refrigerated stainless steel vinifying vats. Each grape variety is vinified separately.This wine was matured in second and third year French Allier oak barriques for 14 months. TASTING NOTES Deep concentrated red color. Floral scents combined with red fruit aromas. Very expressive on the palate with intense fruit notes, showing a long, very fresh and complex after taste. SERVING Ready for immediate consumption, although the wine has the potential to continue developing favourably in the bottle. It goes well with red and white meats and cheeses. Store in a horizontal position, in a cool and dry place, protected from light and temperature fluctuations. Serve at a temperature between 16ºC and 18ºC. Consume in moderation.