Quinta do Panascal: First port stop in the Douro Valley

If a wine lover appreciates learning about port then a visit to a Douro Valley quinta is a must. During Spaswinefood's October visit to the Douro Valley, Portugal we visited Quinta do Panascal. In case you are wondering a quinta is a vineyard where the grapes are grown; then processed and shipped down to Oporto port lodges to age. Quinta do Panascal is one to the three quintas where the grapes are grown for Foncesca Port. The visitor's center at Quinta do Panascal's was Spaswinefood's first stop in the Douro Valley for a port tasting.

Quinta do Panascal © Spaswinefood

Been thinking about port

Prior to visiting the Douro Valley whenever I have heard the name port mentioned I longed to visit. I followed discussions about port in wine blogger discussion groups. On January 27 2012, International Port Day, we celebrated at Bisto Cinq in Antigua, Guatemala. This made me more enthusiastic about visiting the Douro. Then as things progressed with plans to attend the European Wine Bloggers Conference (#EWBC12) in Izmir, Turkey we explored the possibility of planning a pre-trip to the Douro Valley.

Finally we are off to see quintas and more

Finally we made the decision to go to the Douro. I did a little research in preparation for the visit. When I read an article by Robin Dorhn-Simpson, about her Douro visit, I automatically connected with her openness to learn about port. Shane Mitchell's article captured some of the scenic beauty of the Douro Valley. Then there was the awesome documentary Life on the Douro, by Zen Robinson. Let me not forget to mention the many breath taking photos of the Douro Valley that I saw. Needless to say I was thrilled about our October visit to the Douro.

During Spaswinefood's Douro Valley visit we stayed Quinta do Portal. From there we explored the spectacular Douro Valley. Quinta do Panascal was the first port quinta that we visited.

Quinta do Panascal

Quinta do Panascal in the upper Douro Valley together with Cruzeiro and Santo Antonio quintas provide the grapes for Foncesca Port (established in 1822). The estate provided grapes for nearly 100 years before it was bought by Foncesca in 1970. For an overview of Foncesca Port see an article by Chris Kissack, the winedoctor.

Quinta do Panascal © Spaswinefood

Quinta do Panascal © Spaswinefood

While Foncesca Port is widely available worldwide there is nothing like tasting in person at Quinta do Panascal.

Ready to taste Foncesca Port © Spaswinefood

While at Quinta do Panascal we tasted two Foncesca Port series (entry and deluxe). The first was described as entry level. It included Siroco (white port), Bin #27 (ruby port) and 10 year tawny port. 

Quinta do Panascal (Foncesca Port) © Spaswinefood

Foncesca Ports (Siroco, Bin #27 and 10 year Tawny) © Spaswinefood

Foncesca Port (10year Tawny, Bin #27 and Siroco)  © Spaswinefood

The deluxe series included Terra Prima (an organic port), Vintage Port  2009, 20 year and 40 year tawny ports.

Foncesca Port (Vintage Port 2009 and 40 Year Old Tawny) © Spaswinefood

Foncesca Port at Quinta do Panascal © Spaswinefood

From the Quinta do Panascal tasting room there are great views. It was a delight to visit Quinta do Panascal.

Window onto Quinta do Panascal © Spaswinefood

Quinta do Panascal © Spaswinefood

Fall was a perfect time to check out Portugal’s Douro Valley. We were also told during our visit that spring is a great time to visit as well. Spaswinefood enjoyed tasting and learning about all things port. I invite you to join me in my travels in Douro Valley, Portugal and elsewhere in search of the best in Spaswinefood. 

Sharon

October 2012

Porto, Portugal

© Spaswinefood

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