DONZELINHO: A RARE AND SINGULAR GRAPE VARIETY THAT NEEDS TO BE DISCOVERED
Exploring less common grape varieties in winemaking can pave the way for the creation of authentic, distinctive wines full of personality. A notable example is the Donzelinho grape variety, a national variety that is still little publicised, but which offers wines with a unique character and great gastronomic potential.
In this article you'll learn about the outstanding characteristics of this grape variety and realise why the wines it produces deserve to be tasted by true connoisseurs.
A grape variety with mysterious origins
The history of the Donzelinho grape variety is shrouded in mystery and little information is available about its origins.
Present mainly in the north-east of Portugal, it is believed to have its roots in the Douro, having been referenced since 1531.
It is therefore a very old and relatively rare grape variety, as it is not as commonly planted as other more popular varieties in the region, partly due to its lower yield profile.
However, it is its particular characteristics, capable of adding complexity and uniqueness to the wines in which it is used, that make Donzelinho a variety that deserves to be appreciated.
The varieties of the Donzelinho grape variety
The origin of the name Donzelinho can be linked to the word ‘maiden’, suggesting an association with the delicacy and small size of the berries of this grape and the subtle flavours it imparts to the wines.
Two main varieties of this grape are known: Donzelinho White and Donzelinho Red, both of which are used in wine production, with different contributions.
Characteristics of White Donzelinho
This is the best-known variety of the Donzelinho grape, appreciated for its vibrant acidity. It produces fresh, aromatic wines with a touch of exoticism that can include citrus, fruity or floral notes.
Characteristics of Donzelinho Red
Less common, this variety is not very intense in colour and is valued for the seductive aromas it imparts to wines. As well as red fruits, it is common to find nuances of spice and some mineral notes in these labels, which add complexity to the flavour. With an elegant structure and refined tannins, Donzelinho Red wines are versatile and generally have good ageing potential, developing greater aromatic depth and additional smoothness over time.
Donzelinho: a versatile grape variety for blend and single varietal wines
The Donzelinho grape variety is remarkably versatile, standing out in both
blend wines and single varietal wines.
Its presence is more frequent in blends, where it offers distinct contributions, namely acidity, freshness and some aromatic intensity, which help to enhance the profile of these wines.
However, Donzelinho is beginning to be recognised as a varietal grape variety, providing a space for innovation and experimentation, which gives winemakers and producers the opportunity to create surprising wines where the unique expression of this grape variety shines on its own.
The challenge of capturing the essence of Donzelinho
At Sogevinus, we embrace the challenge of unlocking the unique nuances and potential of this grape variety.
Fascinated by the rare and distinctive character of Donzelinho Tinto, we combine our experience and creativity in order to present authentic and exciting wines.
One of these results is our
Boavista Donzelinho Tinto 2021, a charismatic wine, full of freshness and delicacy, designed for all those looking for new tasting experiences, with the Douro terroir as a backdrop.
Explore this and other proposals with the Donzelinho grape variety in our
UVA Wine Shop and set off to discover this remarkable grape variety.
