The Symington family, known for producing fine Port wines in the Douro Valley since the 19th century, has recently expanded into the production of Douro table wines. Their latest venture takes them outside of the valley and into the southern Alentejo region of Portugal, specifically the Portalegre subregion. These high-elevation Quinta da Fonte Souto wines are created from vineyards near the São Mamede mountain range, benefiting from cool-climate conditions that are rare in the hot and dry Alentejo.
The vineyards in Portalegre are planted at elevations of up to 1,800 feet and produce low-yielding vines that deliver highly concentrated wines. The estate gets its name from the chestnut grove planted on the property, with “souto” referring to an area planted with chestnut trees and “fonte” meaning fountain or water source. This unique location and terroir contribute to the distinct character of the wines produced by the Symington family outside of their traditional Douro Valley vineyards.
The Quinta da Fonte Souto branco (2021) is a blend of 75% Arinto and 25% Verdelho grapes grown at 1,600 feet elevation. This full-bodied wine offers a ripe, yellow- and tropical-fruited profile with underlying herbal notes, wood spice, and lemon curd. Sixty percent of the blend was fermented in oak barrels before aging in a combination of new French and central European oak. Priced at $26, this wine is structured, complex, and satisfying, showcasing the potential of the Alentejo region for producing high-quality white wines.
On the other hand, the Quinta da Fonte Souto red wine (2019) is a blend of Alicante Bouchet, Syrah, Alfrocheiro, and old vine grapes, expressing rich and dense black fruit flavors like plum, blackberry, and cherry. This full-bodied wine is complex and layered, with sweet date and fig ripeness that pairs well with hearty dishes like roasted lamb, game meats, or barbecue favorites like burgers and ribs. Priced at $26, this red wine offers exceptional value and taste, competing with premium options on the market.
Overall, the Symington family’s expansion into the Alentejo region with the Quinta da Fonte Souto wines demonstrates their commitment to exploring new terroirs and showcasing the diversity of Portuguese wine regions. By venturing beyond the Douro Valley into the high-elevation vineyards of Portalegre, they have created wines that reflect the unique characteristics of this region, offering consumers a taste of something different and exciting. With their first foray outside of their traditional winemaking area, the Symington family continues to innovate and push the boundaries of Portuguese winemaking.
