236 Port anD the Douro
property, has been rebranded to Sandeman. As if to show their intent, in 2007 Sandeman
made a solid, serious vintage Port for the first time in over forty years. Sogrape are working
hard to revive the Sandeman brand in the US, UK and the Republic of Ireland which
have traditionally been Sandeman’s strongest markets.
senhora do convento
Sociedade de Vinhos Senhora do Convento, SA
Quinta de s. Pedro das Águias – tavora, 5120 tabuaço
tel. (351) 254 782 070
http://www.senhoradoconvento.com
This magnificent property deep in the Tavora valley dates back to the twelfth century. It
was a Cistercian monastery until 1834 when it fell into the hands of the state following the
abolition of the religious orders. In 1986 it was bought by Paul Vranken who established
São Pedro das Águias (‘St Peter of the Eagles’) as a Port brand, mainly for the French
market. A decade later, the monastery and vineyards were separated from the brand as
part of a divorce settlement and Quinta de São Pedro das Águias now belongs to Vranken’s
ex-wife, Mauricette Mordant. The estate comprises eighty-five hectares of vineyard split
between four quintas, all in the Tavora valley. Much of the vineyard property is on granite,
so only forty-two hectares have benefício for Port. In 1999 Mme. Mordant established Porto
Heredias, which now produces a full range of Ports from ruby through to vintage; Senhora
do Convento is the company’s second brand. The wines are not, as yet, made on the estate
although there are plans to build an adega; however, the cool granite cellars underneath the
monastery are unique in the Douro and perfect for ageing (one of the cellars even served
as the local prison until 1986). With the exception of old tawnies which are bought in,
Senhora do Convento Ports are characterised by their fresh, vibrant fruit flavours. Vintage
Ports declared from 2000 and 2001 not as big or bold as some but fine, middle-distance
wines with lovely purity of fruit. Senhora do Convento also produce Douro wines. The
monastery has been restored and is open to overnight guests (turismo de habitacão).
c. da silva
(see under dalva)
silva & cosens Ltd
(see under dow)
skeffington
c/o Fladgate Partnership
Po Box 1311, ec santa Marinha, 4401–501 Vila nova de Gaia, Portugal
tel: (351) 223 742 800
http://www.fladgatepartnership.com
Charles Neville Skeffington was a nineteenth-century partner and vineyard manager in the
firm of Taylor, Fladgate & Yeatman. Facing increasing competition from own-label sales