Vinha da Urze (2023) - Douro DOC
Casa Agricola Aboredo Madeira SA. Almendra Portugal.
I chose this Urze red wine of the 2023 vintage to accompany a beef filet Tournedos at a steak restaurant in Funchal (Madeira) which works with a farm in the Portugese Azores. Douro DOC is one of Portugal’s premier wine classifications, this assemblage combines the strength and finesse of the two most common varietals of Touriga along with the Portuguese version of the ubiquitous Iberian varietal, Tempranillo. The ageing in oak would be expected to soften the wine but marks it down from being in the top league of Douro wines.
Tasting notes
The 2023 Urze poured dark red, going on violet. The dominant taste was blackberries with red plum, changing to red plum as the lingering after-taste. I noted a gentle warming of the mouth, pleasant but not enough to say peppery. Overall, the Urze wine had a distinct Portuguese character, finesse as well as strength; it partnered well the thick, tasty and chewy Tournedos steak.
Varietals
45% Touriga Franca
30% Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo)
25% Touiga Nacional
Ageing
40% French oak barrels