Wines Douro Prats & Symington - Post Scriptum de Chryseia - 2021

Viniou Reviews

Post Scriptum de Chryseia 2021, crafted by the esteemed partnership of Prats & Symington, is an expressive red wine that captures the elegance and unique power of the Douro Valley. This cuvée blends local Portuguese grape varieties, most notably Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca, which contribute aromatic complexity and vibrant structure. The 2021 vintage is marked by controlled extraction and precise vinification, allowing fruit expression without overwhelming tannins. Aging occurs predominantly in French oak barrels, providing the wine with subtle notes of spice and allowing its natural character to shine. The result is a lively, youthful profile with aromas of black cherry, plum, violet, and a delicate mineral underpinning; the palate is well-structured, silky, and persistent.

The Douro region is among the world’s oldest demarcated wine areas, historically renowned for port but increasingly recognized for refined dry reds like this one. Its steep terraced vineyards, carved sparsely into schistous soils, force vines to struggle, yielding fruit with intense flavors and impressive concentration. The Mediterranean climate is characterized by hot, dry summers and cold winters, ensuring optimal grape maturity while preserving natural acidity. The region's history, a blend of centuries-old viticulture and contemporary innovation, is evident in wines such as Post Scriptum, which marry tradition and modern precision.

For food pairings, Post Scriptum 2021’s structure and freshness are beautifully suited to red meats, especially roasted lamb, beef filet, or game such as venison. Its gentle oak and ripe berry fruit also enable harmonious alliances with traditional Portuguese dishes like feijoada or grilled sausages, as well as Mediterranean cuisine—think herb-crusted pork, wild mushroom risotto, or mature cheeses.

Serve this wine at a temperature of 16-18°C to enhance its aromatic expression and silkiness. Decanting for about an hour is recommended, especially in its youth, to soften the tannins and allow the bouquet to unfold. Enjoy now for its vibrant fruit, or cellar for up to five to seven years to appreciate further complexity.