Page 64 - WDT MAGAZINE PORTUGAL

Our first winery stop was Quinta de Marrocos
estate housed at the site of an old Franciscan
monastery perched high on the left bank of the
Douro. One of the oldest estates in the Douro, it
has produced famous Port and Douro wines for
over four generations.
There were several visitors already touring
and tasting -- evidently, we’re not the only wine
enthusiasts that don’t mind morning wine drinking.
An excellent tour included a stop in the barrel
room where spiders and their webs are welcome as
ant deterrents. The estate also boasts large granite
vats where grapes are still pressed by foot, we
were told as our guide poured our tastes. It's a fact
that I could have done without since you never
know where those feet have been. But I persevered
and swallowed, especially enjoying their elegant
20-year-old Tawny Port rich with flavors of nuts,
dried fruits and honey -- and not even a hint of toes.

Wine tasting at Quinta de Marrocos
estate housed at the site of an old
Franciscan monastery perched high
above the left bank of the Douro River.

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