2009 Mater-Dôme Tinto Mateus Nicolau de Almeida Douro 0.75l

2009 Mater-Dôme Tinto Mateus Nicolau de Almeida - Douro Valley
single-vineyard wine

Origin:

Mateus Nicolau de Almeida comes from one of the most important winemaking families in Portugal. His grandfather , Fernando Nicolau de Almeida, made history in 1952 with the production of the legendary Barca Velha , which is considered an icon of Portuguese wine. His father , João Nicolau de Almeida, initiated a revolution in the Douro in the 1970s by selecting grape varieties that are still influential today, such as Touriga Nacional and Tinto Cão , for modern Douro wine. Mateus continues this legacy and combines it with his own philosophy: a focus on sustainability, respect for the Douro's microclimates , and a return to traditional Roman vinification techniques . Mater-Dôme Tinto stems from this attitude and represents the connection between history, origins, and modern craftsmanship.

Expansion:

The grapes come from select vineyards in the Douro and were carefully hand-picked . Following the classic method, the grapes are treaded on foot in granite lagares , followed by gentle pressing and spontaneous fermentation with natural yeasts. Aging takes place in traditional vats – concrete and wood – with extended contact with the lees to emphasize depth, structure, and terroir expression .

Aroma & Taste:

The 2009 Mater-Dôme Tinto demonstrates the maturity of a great Douro vintage: On the nose, dense aromas of ripe blackberry, plum, and black cherry , underpinned by dark chocolate, tobacco, and graphite . On the palate, it is powerful and concentrated , with ripe tannins that are smoothly integrated. The texture is silky, supported by a lively acidity that adds freshness. The finish is long, spicy, and mineral , with notes of herbs and slate.

Food recommendation:

Perfect with hearty meat dishes such as braised beef with red wine jus , rack of lamb with rosemary , or game with cranberries . Mature Manchego or Serra da Estrela cheeses are also ideal accompaniments. As a meditative solitary wine, it unfolds its full depth.

Special features of the 2009 vintage in Douro:

The 2009 vintage in the Douro is considered very good to outstanding. A cold, rainy winter ensured ample water reserves, and a stable spring promoted consistent flowering. The hot summer was balanced by timely rainfall, preventing the vines from suffering from drought stress. The harvest was warm and dry, producing healthy, optimally ripe grapes . The dry red wines of the Douro from this year are characterized by intense fruit, structure, and concentration .

Conclusion:

The Mater-Dôme Tinto 2009 is a wine that combines the great tradition of the Nicolau de Almeida family with a modern vision. It embodies the power and elegance of the Douro in an outstanding vintage and simultaneously represents Mateus's ambition to carry his family's historic legacy into the future. A wine of deep personality, great aging potential, and historical significance in the context of the new Douro.