Chosen as Portugal’s best red wine, Menin Maria Fernanda 2021 crowns the Douro’s excellence and honors family legacy.
The Menin Maria Fernanda 2021 took first place in the prestigious Top 10 Portuguese Wines ranking by Revista de Vinhos. The announcement came during the Essência do Vinho event at the Feitoria Inglesa in Porto, highlighting the finest wines in the country.
The final stage featured 61 wines chosen from thousands of samples evaluated throughout the year. The result was decided through blind tastings by an international jury of critics, sommeliers, and Masters of Wine from 14 nationalities.
An authentic expression of the Douro
Crafted in the Douro under the guidance of winemaker Tiago Alves de Sousa, the Maria Fernanda 2021 blends around 54 grape varieties from century-old vineyards—some more than 130 years old—growing in schist soils. “We work with very old vines that have an incredible diversity of grapes. Our goal is to respect that identity and let the Douro express itself naturally,” said the winemaker.
After 18 months in French oak barrels, the wine reveals a bright ruby hue, complex aromas of red and black fruits, subtle spice notes, firm structure, and a long finish. The name pays tribute to Rubens Menin’s daughter, Maria Fernanda.
Recognition and pride
According to Fásia Braga, general director of Menin Company, the award marks a milestone for the brand. “Receiving this distinction is a tremendous honor and a confirmation of the consistent work we’ve done in the Douro. Maria Fernanda is a very special wine for us—not only for its quality but for its symbolism.”
The Top 10 Portuguese Wines is among the country’s most respected accolades and serves as a reference for professionals and enthusiasts of Portuguese winemaking.
Photo: Courtesy of Menin Douro Estates
