Macanita Vinhos, Os Caniveis Branco Vinhas Velhas, Peso da Régua, Douro, Portugal, 2023

Producer Profile

The Maçanita Vinhos project was created by characterful siblings, Joana and António Maçanita, in the Douro back in 2011.

Having worked together in over 14 wineries around the country, they wanted the new project to reflect their experiences and aspirations: lots of laughter, lots of arguments and an ethos of questioning the existing way of doing things. Over the intervening years, Maçanita Vinhos have managed to encompass the diversity of the terroir of the Douro Valley in its purest and most faithful form. The wines of Maçanita express each facet of this spectacular landscape: the “high-altitude Douro”, the “hot schist Douro”, the “cold granite Douro” all through indigenous grape varieties from old vines and a non-interventionist approach.

Viticulture

Located in Carlão in the Cima Corgo, these extraordinary centenarian vines — aged between 110 and 130 years — thrive at 535 metres of altitude. Rooted in pure granite soils, they deliver a rare and striking expression of terroir. With naturally low yields of just 1,100 kg/ha, each vine offers remarkable concentration, elegance and a truly singular character. Cultivated with unwavering respect for the land, the vineyard is tended using traditional horse‑drawn ploughing, ensuring gentle care of the soils. Harvesting is carried out entirely by hand, with grapes carefully placed into small 18‑kilogram boxes to preserve their integrity.

Winemaking

Whole bunches are pressed directly to capture their purest expression, followed by a period of cold settling to enhance clarity and finesse. Fermentation takes place in barrels, allowing the wine to develop subtle complexity while maintaining its natural freshness. The wine is then matured for 12 months in neutral barrels, a deliberate choice that offers refinement and texture without overshadowing the fruit’s authentic character. The result is a wine shaped by tradition, precision, and a profound respect for its origin.

Tasting Note

A bright citrus‑yellow colour and offers an intriguing, complex nose with notes of white‑fleshed fruit. The palate opens with a fresh yet rich attack, revealing impressive depth and a refined, harmonious structure.

Food matching

Perfect with fish dishes, simple shellfish, white meats and robust salads, thanks to its freshness and balanced acidity.