Handford Wines

Sandra Tavares da Silva and husband Jorge Borges already had pretty impressive CVs when they embarked on Pintas, their own project, in the Pinhão Valley in 2001. Sandra is winemaker at Vale Dona Maria and at her parents’ estate Quinta de Chocapalha in Estramadura and Jorge, formerly of Niepoort, works on a number of projects in the Douro. Their prodigious talent and enthusiasm, combined with an eye for spotting vineyard potential, has really paid off.

The Wine

This is from a forty-six year old vineyard planted with indigenous varietals Gouveio, Viosinho Rabigato and Códega do Larinho. This is only the second vintage of a wine which received many plaudits in its debut year. A very pretty gold in colour, there is obvious richness from the outset. The nose is very precise and pure – more focused and citrus fresh than the first vintage which had more batonnage. A marked vivacity and bright aromatics also come through on the palate which is generous whilst retaining a refined elegance.

Single Bottle: £25.00

In a case of 12: £23.75