Quinta Vale Dona Maria - Premium Wines from the Douro

Premium Port wines and distinctive red wines are part of the portfolio at Quinta Vale D. Maria in the Douro Valley, where they have been repeatedly awarded. The Quinta Vale D. Maria Vinha da Francisca Red 2018 has recently won both the titles of Best Wine of the Year and Best Red Wine (Blend). It also received a silver medal at the International Wine Challenge. The creators at Quinta Vale D. Maria earned 96 points from Parker for their Quinta Vale D. Maria Douro 2009 Tinto, and their Quinta Vale D. Maria Douro Red 2013 is listed in the TOP 100 Wine Spectator List of 2016.

A Historic Family Estate with a Rich Legacy

The list of successful wines from this historic family estate in the heart of the Douro Valley continues to grow. The award-winning Quinta Vale Dona Maria Vinha da Francisca is named after the youngest wine expert in the van Zeller family, who now manages the estate in the 15th generation.

The Quinta Vale Dona Maria Vinha da Francisca: A Flavor Wonder

This red Douro wine is named after the youngest winemaker of the family and is traditionally foot-stomped. It enchants with concentrated notes of dark chocolate and velvety cherries. Francisca van Zeller and her father Christiano have cultivated native grape varieties such as Tinta Francisca, Touriga Franca, Sousão, Rufete, and Touriga Nacional to create this unique wine known for its freshness, concentration, and slate minerality.

28 Regional Grape Varieties Across Over 30 Hectares of Vineyards

Quinta Vale D. Maria has been in the hands of the van Zeller family for over 250 years, lovingly revitalized by Christiano, one of Portugal's leading wine experts. He planted previously neglected plots with red grape varieties, along with white varieties like Côdega de Larinho and Rabigato. More than 28 different regional grape varieties are cultivated on approximately 30 hectares on sunny hills in the Alto Douro.

A Passion for Wine

As part of a renowned Portuguese winemaking dynasty in the Douro Valley that stretches back to the 18th century, Francisca van Zeller expresses her passion for wine alongside her father Cristiano van Zeller.

A Young Winemaker with Solid Education

Francisca van Zeller did not immediately follow her father's illustrious footsteps; she first studied History in London and then obtained her degree in Journalism from Universidad San Pablo-CEU. After four years in various roles outside her family, she returned to her roots. In 2015, she completed a graduate program at Universidad Católica Portuguesa in Viticulture and Oenology and has served as Export Manager and Marketing Specialist at Quinta Vale D. Maria.

Visionary, Creator, and Ambassador

As a visionary, creator, and ambassador, Francisca van Zeller is responsible for developing the marketing and sales strategies of Quinta while also being involved in the winemaking process. The picturesque Quinta Vale D. Maria has stood since 1868 high above the Douro, surrounded by vineyards in this historic wine region in northeastern Portugal.

The Best Grapes Make the Best Wine

The team at Quinta Vale D. Maria under Francisca van Zeller places great emphasis on excellent vineyard management. Only the best, ripened grapes are processed in the cellar. Grapes are traditionally processed; after harvesting, they are foot-stomped in traditional “Lagares” for one to three days. The must is then fermented in different barrels at temperatures between 22 and 27 degrees Celsius for seven to ten days. After fermentation, malolactic fermentation occurs in new French oak barrels of 225 and 300 liters. The result is fine, fresh, and dry red wines known for their intense fruit flavors and unique mineral characteristics.

Making Portuguese Wines Known Worldwide

Just like her father Cristiano van Zeller, who not only continued the family's centuries-old winemaking tradition but also founded the "Douro Boys" initiative, Francisca van Zeller has established an organization called "D'Uva - Portugal Wine Girls". This organization seeks to promote Portuguese wines internationally.

Generations of Passion for Viticulture

Quinta Vale D. Maria belongs to the Aveleda group, a leading Vinho Verde producer in family ownership for five generations. In addition to Quinta Vale D. Maria, the group includes renowned brands such as Aveleda, Adega Velha, Quinta D'Aguieira Follies, and Casal Garcia, all active in the Douro, Vinho Verde, and Bairrada wine regions.

A Winning Team with Coveted Awards

As part of a larger team, Cristiano van Zeller continues to serve as General Manager of Quinta Vale D. Maria, with Francisca overseeing brand management and Head Winemaker Joana Pinhão contributing to the distinctive wines of Quinta Vale D. Maria. This success team will undoubtedly continue to win the coveted awards of the "Portugal Wine Trophy."