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Perched above the sinuous bends of the Douro River, Quinta Maria Izabel is an estate where the region’s ancient landscape meets a new wave of winemaking ambition.

 Founded by Brazilian entrepreneur João Carlos Paes Mendonça, the project began as a personal fascination with the Douro’s dramatic topography—its towering schist walls, knife-edge terraces, and vineyards that cling to slopes as steep as 45 degrees. The property spans more than a hundred hectares of rugged terrain, where plots are divided by altitude, exposure, and soil fractures that force the vines to dig deep.

At the heart of the estate is a strikingly modern winery designed to disappear into the hillside, built with natural stone and clean architectural lines that frame the river below.

 Gravity-flow winemaking, small fermentation tanks tailored to micro-parcels, and an emphasis on indigenous varieties guide the production philosophy. It’s a place where old-world Douro grit intersects with a contemporary vision, elevating the estate into one of the region’s most quietly sophisticated newcomers.

The 2019 M.I.’ Tinto is shaped by this mosaic of vineyards, drawing from parcels scattered across varying elevations and exposures—a blend rooted in the Douro DNA. Built primarily on Touriga Nacional, Touriga Cão, and Tinta Roriz, the wine reflects both the concentration of the valley floor and the tension of higher-altitude fruit. T

hese varieties contribute depth, structure, and aromatic lift, while the schist soils add the mineral edge that defines modern Douro reds.

ABV: 13.5%

A blend of Tinta Roriz- Cruz, Tinto Cão, and Touriga Nacional - Carrascal. 

Dripping with a deep ruby-violet hue, this wine opens with a brambly perfume of wild forest fruits and a savory, herbal hint of sun-dried stems.

On the mouth, it’s a seductive balancing act: the natural "grit" of the Douro grapes provides a rustic backbone, while an intense, slate-like minerality keeps the profile sleek and modern. It finishes long and vibrant, with a lean, snapping energy that lingers.

A lighter and really drinkable Douro here showing some white pepper and fresh herbs to the grapefruit, raspberries and wild strawberries. Intriguing and elegant with chalky tannins and fresh wild berries that linger in the medium-long finish. Rare drinkability from the Douro. It would rate higher if there was a bit more depth on the palate. Almost reminds me of the cinsaults from Chile. Delicious now. ~ 93 James Suckling

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