Breaking News in Douro

[Roy Hersh]

Last night I had a dinner at my fave restaurant with Miguel Braga and his son Miguel, (Q. do Mourao, S. Leonardo) to celebrate his purchase of a new quinta property in Douro. His son, Miguel will be joining him in this new adventure that will get started after renovations take place in the not too distant future. Miguel did not want any more released at this time. Photos on the For The Love Of Port FB page.

[Glenn E.]

That's great news! Can't wait to see what they have planned.

[Eric Menchen]

What Glenn said. And I wonder what stocks they may have or can get for blending some tawnies. I can't wait 50 years for the stuff they are growing today. But I'll still try those too.

[Roy Hersh]

Miguel will only permit me to say that it will take some time for this property to be ready. It is much smaller than Mourão was. I am considering taking our 20th Anniversary Port Harvest Tour there ... IF it is ready by then. Waiting patiently.

Miguel's niece Rita, is no longer involved in her prior job at Mourão, or connected with that project whatsoever. Stories abound, not from Miguel but up in Douro about the new owners. But I will not spread speculation and rumors.

[Mike J. W.]

Roy, can you remind me who purchased Mourão and what is their experience in the Port and or Wine environment?

[Eric Menchen]

Roy, can you remind me who purchased Mourão and what is their experience in the Port and or Wine environment?

I'm not Roy, but Mourão is under Falua, https://www.falua.pt/en/history/
which is under Vitas Portugal, https://www.vitas.pt/
which is part of Roullier, https://www.roullier.com/en/our-history/

I had heard a while back that Mourão had been purchased by one of the French luxury brand groups. I wasn't aware of the Fulua umbrella, which provides a little more Portuguese wine expertise. And it turns out Roullier is more of an agro-industrial conglomerate.

[Mike J. W.]

Roy, can you remind me who purchased Mourão and what is their experience in the Port and or Wine environment?

I'm not Roy, but Mourão is under Falua, https://www.falua.pt/en/history/
which is under Vitas Portugal, https://www.vitas.pt/
which is part of Roullier, https://www.roullier.com/en/our-history/

I had heard a while back that Mourão had been purchased by one of the French luxury brand groups. I wasn't aware of the Fulua umbrella, which provides a little more Portuguese wine expertise. And it turns out Roullier is more of an agro-industrial conglomerate.

Thank you for that Eric. Some interesting reading there. At first blush it would seem that they're losing their hands on, personal touch and going Corporate. Time will tell.

[Al B.]

I had the opportunity to taste a range of the Mourão / São Leonardo wines last week. While these might have been blended under the old ownership, they were bottled under the new.

I am happy to report that the wines were as good as they used to be, although the 10YO Tawny was in 50cl format and not 75cl as it was when I last bought some.

[Roy Hersh]

Thanks for that, Eric and Alex too. Not sure why they'd decide to go to 500 ml, except that they can sell it for a lower price. That would certainly justify the decision and at least, it was not put into 375 ml.