Wines Douro Castello d'Alba - 2023

Viniou Reviews

Castello d’Alba 2023 is a red wine from the picturesque Douro region in Portugal, a land renowned for its dramatic terraced vineyards and centuries-old winemaking traditions. This particular bottle comes from the Douro Vinho de mesa appellation, which allows for some flexibility in both grape selection and blending, often resulting in expressive, fruit-forward wines. Although the precise grape varieties are not specified, Douro reds are typically crafted from native varietals such as Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo), and Touriga Franca. The 2023 vintage is expected to showcase youthful vibrancy, bright acidity, and generous fresh fruit, owing to a blend crafted for approachability and early enjoyment. Vinification for this style of Douro red tends to focus on preserving varietal character and fruit intensity, using stainless steel or neutral vessels and only light ageing.

The Douro Valley is one of the world’s oldest demarcated wine regions, historically famous for its Port wines, but increasingly celebrated for its dry table wines over the past few decades. Its Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and schistous soils, contribute to the intensity of the fruit and the unique minerality that characterises many Douro reds. The region's steep slopes and river influence allow for excellent ripening conditions while maintaining freshness in the wines.

For food pairings, this vibrant Douro red will beautifully complement grilled meats, especially lamb or beef, and pairs very well with rustic Portuguese cuisine such as feijoada (a hearty bean and pork stew) or bacalhau à Brás, if you wish to explore a surf-and-turf contrast. The wine’s freshness and supple tannins also make it suitable with Mediterranean-inspired dishes like roasted vegetables or aubergine moussaka.

Serve Castello d’Alba 2023 at a temperature of 15-17°C to best showcase its lively aromatics and supple structure. A brief decanting of 20–30 minutes will help the wine open up, rounding off any youthful edges and letting its fruit profile shine. Enjoy within the next couple of years for maximum vibrancy and charm.