QUINTA DA CORTE
- info2294206
- 10. Nov.
- 4 Min. Lesezeit
Valença do Douro, Portugal
return of - the DOURO VALLEY`s SLEEPING BEAUTIES
There`s nothing I haven`t already written about Quinta da Côrte which isn`t worth repeating. But to spare you this, do read about my first visit here.
I met Tourism & Marketing Director, Cátia Moura, back in 2023 at the Wine and Travel Week in Porto, during one of the infamous speed-dating sessions with 200+ other colleagues. That meeting led to my first visit to the premises and I knew immediately, I´d be back.
This year, I had the pleasure of returning and accompanied by a good friend – Ronni – who I haven`t seen in over ten years. We had a tight schedule, so could only stop one night, but it was a memorable experience. Ronni`s first impressions confirmed my own. Also, that the somewhat nerve-wracking yet breathtaking approach along narrow meandering roads, was well worth the jitters.
Quinta da Côrte is both a working winery and an exclusive boutique hotel. Sited high up in the undulating hills of the magnificent Douro Valley, it`s a true home from home. Ronni - Food Photographer by profession with a sharp eye for detail, was so taken aback by the landscape, that I had a job to get her to the comfort of her room, of which there are just eight.
At Quinta da Côrte you`ll never feel like a tinned sardine, not even by the pool in the high season. A small team of friendly faces await you - all knowledgeable - be it about the Quinta`s history or the wines.
As a kid, it was order of the day to thank relatives - Grannies and Granddads, Aunts and Uncles - for their gifts in form of a thankyou letter. If we didn`t, there was hell to pay. Today, we`re writing one voluntarily - and to the whole team - from harvest-hand, through to kitchen and reception.
DEAR TEAM
I`ve met many of you before, but this year’s arrival felt quite special. Although normally the one producing the images, Ronni soon remarked she could stay with you for a month – not to take photos - but to write a book. The atmosphere at the Quinta is embracing - like a blanket whispering – “You`re home …. stay a while”. The establishment is blessed with a small team of dedicated ardent souls who treat guests as they would their own. Even during harvest, when there are more hands on deck, it`s the small details which stand-out - home-baked cookies with handwritten labels for example.
The views from the hotel are magnificent and as Ronni was quick to point out - all you need here is a pen, a blank piece of paper and a seat - of which there are ample. In summer, the terrace invites you to linger whilst taking in the patchwork of vineyards - row upon row at your feet. The reception area is as peaceful as the library, and if you aren`t one to sit around, then the vineyards provide for a leisurely stroll. Décor is simple, traditional - only adding to the pleasant feeling of homecoming.
SIMPLICITY
All meals at the Quinta are served in the once working, blue and white tiled kitchen, unless of course, you take a seat outside on the terrace. The long centre table - shared with fellow guests - reveals hand painted tales of yesteryear and of an afternoon, homemade cake and coffee are at your disposal.
The seasonal dinner menu - a simple affair - offers a choice of two traditional main courses – the starter and dessert are set. Our evening kicked off with a glass of wine – ok, a bottle - homegrown olives, rosemary induced olive-oil, rock-salt and traditional bread.
Quinta da Côrte’s Douro DOC Vinho Branco 2023 was a limited edition of just 1000 bottles and 100% Viosinho. Pale straw-yellow with greenish hues in the glass, citrus on the nose, tangy grapefruit, flowery jasmine and ripe banana on the palate. The fresh acidity - a superb match with the salty starter - marinated spicy sardines on a bed of sweet peppers. Served with sweet quince jelly on toasted bread and garnished with fresh green pea-shoots - pure pleasure.
FOLLOWED BY
a choice of either:
"rich traditional Seafood Bisque - with monkfish, clams, King Prawns, potatoes and other veggies seasoned to perfection, presented in an iron pot"
OR
"pink seared duck on a tasty, smooth carrot and ginger cream, topped with vibrant green spears of asparagus"
... we obviously chose both.
In keeping with the ambience, the food is skillfully simple without being ostentatious. Although a full-bodied red wine may have been more appropriate for the duck, both meals paired well with the white. Compliments to Daniel - the chef - who delivers from a miniscule kitchen. Thumbs up too - to assistants Djamira and Anna – whose proficiency gave us the impression they`d done the cooking themselves ;-).
FRUIT & NUT
Homemade almond tarte baked on rich, crisp rough pastry and drizzled with a summer berry sauce reduced on Port. To pair, I chose Quinta da Côrte’s 2016 Late Bottled Vintage. Full bodied, well-balanced and deep ruby-red in colour, the LBV is produced of grapes harvested from old vines of some 90+ years of age. Despite 4 years of maturation in large oak barrels, the fruity notes remain fresh and combined with spice and dark chocolate, the LBV paired beautifully with the chunky almond tart.
Quinta da Corte: an address to recommend, whether for a weekend break or - should you be lucky enough to get one of those 8 rooms - for longer. After all, don`t we all have a story to tell?
Thankyou, to you all.
Gail & Ronni
On your way to the Quinta and just a stone`s throw from the hotel, you could pay the new Boutique Rendez-Vous wineshop a visit. Situated in immediate proximity to the Valença do Douro viewpoint, there you`ll not only enjoy a small tasting and snacks, but will GASP at the splendid scenery visible from the terrace.
Foto Credits: Ronni Allen Photography
5120-491
Valença do Douro
Portugal
Tel.: +351 964 536 200
Te.: +351 926 248 146
E-Mail: btk@quintadacorte.com
Opening hours between March & mid November:
Tuesday to Saturday from 11:00am to 8:00pm.
