Quinta das Marias

[Michael M.]

Anyone here who knows these table wines from Dao. They are made by the (very kind)Swiss Peter Eckert. Rather small production, under 30.000 bottles if I remember correctly.

I already had the basic wine 2006 Dao DOC (for the German market called "Lote"), the 2005 Dao DOC Garrafeira and 2006 Dao DOC Cuvée TT Reserva. No formal notes were taken. Imo they offer an interesting QPR. Lote is about 9 EUR, the others about 17 EUR. I liked them all. Rather modern (but not boring) style without harsh tannins.

[Andy Velebil]

Michael,

No I've not tried them, as finding non-Douro wines in my area can be a bit tough at times. if you get a chance, and if you took any, could you post some tasting notes on them..thanks

[Daniel R.]

I am a big fan of this producer. You should also look out for the whites, made with Encruzado (there is a version with no cask and a cask version).

[Moses Botbol]

Dao's are really popular in my parts, but usually at a lower price point than that. Will keep my eye out for it as I am big Dao fan.

[Michael M.]

Daniel, thanks for the hint. Unfortunately there is only one importer for Quinta das Marias in Germany who only offers the red wines. If you are common with this producer additional evaluations/TNs would be very much appreciated!

Moses, I'd say that those prices are justified. Perhaps they are even cheap as already the basic Dao "Lote" is far away from the "Charamba-league" in terms of quality (although Charamba is a solid quaffer). The basic Dao "Lote" reminded me of a mix of a quality Chianti and a solid Cru Bourgeois du Bordelais. Sorry for this stupid description but unfortunately I am not very common with the Portuguese table wines so there is a lack of reference. I found it to be ready to drink but also with some more years ahead. Peter Eckert told me that he produced in 1999 for the first time a similar cuvée which still is showing very well. I found the two cuvées prestiges to be rather closed and hard to describe. For that reason I did not take a note, Andy. Perhaps I should have give them quite simply much more air. Next time I will do better.
BTW: 2005 Garrafeira got 17,5 points from Revista de Vinhos.

[Daniel R.]

I think they sell direct but only to Switzerland.

As the amounts are small (around 1500 to 6000 bottles each vintage for each wine) it is not an easy wine to find. I buy all the white I find. Amongst the reds I have enjoyed the Touriga Nacional 2005 several times. I also have Garrafeira and Cuvee TT in my cellar (both 2005) but have not tried them yet. Dao typically ages fantastically so I am trying to let them rest.

[Moses Botbol]

I think they sell direct but only to Switzerland.

How would I order them direct to Switzerland? Do you know the prices?

[Michael M.]

I also have Garrafeira and Cuvee TT in my cellar (both 2005) but have not tried them yet. Dao typically ages fantastically so I am trying to let them rest.

I asked Mr. Eckert also about aging potential. He said he would assume that all the wines above the basic Dao would go without any problem 10 years (if one wants that)- except for the Alfrocheiro. He pointed out, that today the wines are wanted with attractive and persistent fruit and present but integrated tannins to drink well after 3 or 4 years after the harvest. So his wines seem to be different from those traditional Daos.

[Michael M.]

Prices in Schweitzer Franken

http://www.quintadasmarias.com/the_wine.html

[Moses Botbol]

Prices in Schweitzer Franken

http://www.quintadasmarias.com/the_wine.html

Thanks.