Dow’s Vale do Bomfim launches white table wine

Symington Family Estates is introducing Dow’s 2021 Vale do Bomfim DOC Douro White, the first extension of the brand’s table wines line since the launch of its red in 2004.

In addition to being Dow’s first commercially-launched white table wine, both this and the red wine have an updated packaging design to celebrate the longevity of the brand’s involvement in the Port trade. The new label features photos of the second generation of the Symington family to work in the Douro Valley, the car serving as a nod to their journey to Northern Portugal when they first arrived in 1882. They have been sole owners of Dow’s since 1961.

The red wine (a blend of 40% Touriga Nacional, 30% Tinta Roriz, 20% Touriga Franca and 10% Tinta Barroca) was initially developed by the Symington family as a wine to enjoy solely with family and friends. Production was increased after it was well-received.

The white wine is a blend of the following indigenous varieties: 45% Malvasia Fina, 25% Rabigato, 10% Viosinho and 10% Arinto and 10% field blend. The grapes are grown at higher altitudes in the vineyard at Vale do Bomfim, which usually supplies the fruit used to make Dow’s Port.

Vale do Bomfim translates as ‘well-placed valley’, a name which reveals the favourability of the climate. The cooler nights provide the perfect conditions for even maturation of the berries, meaning that they retain acidity. That freshness was preserved through fermentation in stainless steel with minimal oxygen contact. 2021 was noted for its relatively cool temperatures.

Dow’s Vale do Bomfim DOC Douro White will be available in the US from September, retailing for US$15.

In June, Paul Symington was awarded CMG in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.