Why it matters
The producer
Two oenologists give Duorum its name, the Latin word for “from two”. The project brings together fruit from two Douro areas and grapes from two altitudes. It began in January 2007 with commitments to biodiversity, sustainability and rural development.
Duorum operates from Quinta de Castelo Melhor on Estrada Nacional 222 in Vila Nova de Foz Côa. José Maria Soares Franco led production at Sogrape from 1978 to 2006, with responsibilities that included Barca Velha.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
Duorum's vineyards sit on Upper Douro slopes between 150 and 500 metres, with carefully selected indigenous grape varieties. They occupy two Natura 2000 locations, including bird protection areas in the International Douro and Vale do Águeda.
Douro Superior sourcing and earlier harvesting form part of the approach to keeping alcohol down. José Maria Soares Franco says that more than 13.5% kills aromas and quality, placing alcohol management alongside aromatic preservation in the project's stated style.
Wines to know
The range in view
Duorum produces mostly table wine alongside some Port. The table wine range includes Altitude by Duorum 2024, Duorum Colheita Douro 2024 and Duorum Reserva Old Vines 2022, all red wines. Duorum Late Bottled Vintage Port 2019 and Duorum Single harvest 2007 are fortified wines from Porto.
The higher level wines use estate grapes, while entry level wines include purchased grapes. The range therefore moves from red Douro table wines to fortified Port, with both estate fruit and purchased grapes represented across its levels.