2016 Quinta de la Rosa Red Douro Valley Portugal

Portugal’s dry reds are finally getting the respect they deserve. For years, the country’s sweet fortified wines have stolen the spotlight, leaving dry reds like La Rosa Reserve in the shadows. Well, it’s time for that to change. This is a wine that brings the goods—no hype, just great quality for the price.

Quinta de la Rosa, a small family estate in the heart of the Alto Douro, is behind this gem. Just 60 miles inland from Porto, the steep, terraced vineyards sit on the banks of the River Douro. Picture the rolling hills, the ancient vines, and the passion of a family that’s been making wine for over 100 years. Run by Sophia Bergqvist and her brother Philip, Quinta de la Rosa has been perfecting the art of winemaking for generations.

The estate’s roots go way back—so far back, in fact, that it was originally a christening gift to Sophia’s grandmother in 1906! While they once sold grapes to the big guys like Croft and Sandeman, the Bergqvists decided in 1988 to bring their wines to the market on their own terms. They weren’t just another port producer—they wanted to show the world the potential of table wines from the Douro.

Today, Quinta de la Rosa’s wines are well-regarded and sold around the world—but it’s the value wines like La Rosa Reserve that are the real standouts. The estate spans 55 hectares of A-graded vineyards, with vines that are at least 50 years old. This isn’t about fancy winemaking tricks; it’s about working with the land and keeping things simple—just really good, well-balanced wine.

With grapes like Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, and Touriga Franca, La Rosa is a smooth, easy-drinking red that still packs a punch. It’s got that great acidity and structure, but it’s the kind of wine you can open on any night of the week without feeling like you’re overthinking it. A true everyday gem from one of Portugal’s top regions.

If you’re looking for a well-made, accessible wine that doesn’t break the bank, La Rosa has you covered. Perfect for pairing with a hearty meal or just enjoying with friends—this is Portugal at its best, without the fuss.

2016 was a great vintage for Douro Valley reds. Wine Spectator blessed this vintage with a 94pt review and said: "Produced concentrated and elegant wines."

Aging: 12 Months in French Oak Barrels

43% Touriga Nacional, 22% Touriga Franca, and the rest coming from mixed field planted old vines, all from La Rosa’s estate. Extremely fresh ripe black fruits aromas combine with floral notes ending in hints of liquorice and chocolate on the nose. Exceptionally rich and full on the palate, bold complex flavours combine in perfect harmony to maintain its defining elegance. Succulent tannins contribute to a very long and delicious finish.

Dark ruby garnet, violet reflections, delicate lightening at the edges. Ripe plums, subtle nuances of dark nougat, a hint of marzipan, and undertones of black cherries. Juicy, chocolatey, powerful, delicate dried figs, integrated tannins, mineral aftertaste, nougat also in the aftertaste, quite concentrated style. ~92 Flastaff

This is a ripe wine full of broad black fruits. Smoothed by the wood aging and with plenty of acidity to balance, it is rich and structured. The tannins in this wine from the de la Rosa estate are already enmeshed in the fruit. This wine could be drunk now for its fruit. ~91 Wine Enthusiast

~91 Revista Adega Magazine

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