Durham-Agrellos enters Wine Innovation 2010

The Douro Valley’s Durham-Agrellos has become the latest entrant in the drinks business Wine Innovation Awards 2010.

Having invested in a new winery, the 45-acre estate has launched the Marka brand, which includes a red and white blend, and for 2011, a 100% Touriga Nacional.

Durham-Agrellos is located next to Ferrão railway station, between Peso da Régua and Pinhão in the heart of the Douro valley.

It is a "Class A" quinta with ideal conditions for the production of grapes. The vines are mainly south facing, planted in terraces and organised by variety. The estate also has four hectares of very old vines.

The principal varieties are Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz, as well as Touriga Franca and Tinto Cão.

The new winery and equipment were installed to provide the best possible conditions to produce high quality wines with the estate’s own produce. The Marka brand range is the result.

This currently contains a white blend from the 2008 vintage, described as “a modern fruity/floral white with higher and lower than average acidity and alcohol”; as well as a red blend from the same vintage.

Also in the range is the Marka Classic Blend 2005, which the company describes as a “concept wine”, that has been barrel aged in a variety of different oaks.

To add to the existing three wines, a single varietal Touriga Nacional will be released in 2011.  

Since Marka was introduced two years ago, Durham-Agrellos has doubled production and revenue.

Click here for more information and entry details for the Wine Innovation Awards.

Patrick Schmitt, 25.03.2010