In 2009 Helder Dias, a sucessful entrepeneur, decided to plant 290 acres of vine, with the ambition to produce the best possible wine in the Douro region. He planted the vineyards in the Douro Superior sub-region, nowadays considered the best section of the region for high quality wines, especially those parts that are above 1,500 feet. A total of 8 red grape varieties, and 5 white varieties were planted. The predominant reds are Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Tinta Roriz. The main whites are Rabigato and Viosinho.
The estate is situated in the Douro Internacional Natural Park, known for its austere climatic conditions and abundant wildlife.
The vineyards are planted at altitudes between 1,650 and 2,300 feet, on soil that changes from granitic at the highest altitudes to schist at the lower ones. This transition from one soil type to another allows for great flexibility and creativity when it comes to selection of grape varieties.
At Colinas do Douro we make authentic high quality Douro wines. The altitude of our vineyards, and the mixed soil types guarantee great natural balance and freshness, besides a remarkable minerality.
Due to the high amount of sunshine during all relevant phases of growth, and the limited rainfall, alcoholic and phenolic maturation reach their optimum at the same time. This enables us to avoid over ripe and dull wines, with lack of freshness, without losing alcohol content. Indeed, balance is what our wines are all about.