Quinta das Bandeiras / Fam. Bergqvist

The Upper Douro, the upstream part of the river of the same name on the Spanish border, is home to the Bergqvist family. In 2005 they bought La Quinta das Bandeiras by the river near the little village of Pocinho. To preside over the future of the estate the family brought in the services of Jorge Maneira, longtime winemaker at Quinta de la Rosa. Together they have given life to this new project. The estate comprises 9 hectares planted with old indigenous varieties. The whites are Viosinho, Gouveio, Rabigato and Códega do Larinho. Up to 2005 the reds were Tinta Barroca, Tinta Cão and Tinta Roriz. In 2006 20 more hectares were planted with Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca. These young vines are already producing quality grapes and allowing Jorge Maneira to refine his red and white Passagem blends with a greater intensity, delicateness and elegance. Passagem--the passage--the name evokes the whole history of the region. Since ancient times there has been a crossing of paths and main roads here. Even in prehistoric times people had set up camps here. The cave paintings of Foz Côa are a characteristic feature. This tradition continued with the Romans and through the Middle Ages until now. In winemaking, the Upper Douro is less well known, even if it is clear that the region of Barca Velha was already the rage in the 1950s and is currently the flagship of Portuguese production. For Jorge Moreira and Sophia Bergqvist this new project is exciting and has unique potential. Each year, Passagem renews itself, both white and red, with very personal traits in a Portuguese accent.