taste of douro valley

Pairing wine with food is an art that transforms a meal into a memorable experience. Today, I bring you a suggestion that promises to surprise: Rack of Lamb with Port Wine Reduction, perfectly paired with Poeira Vinha da Torre 2018, a wine from the Douro region with great identity and elegance.

Lamb Racks, Port Wine and Smashed Potatoes

Why Poeira Vinha da Torre 2018?

Poeira Vinha da Torre 2018 is a wine produced at Quinta do Poeira, located in the heart of the Douro Valley. The winery belongs to renowned winemaker Jorge Moreira, one of the most respected names in the region, known for his refined approach to crafting elegant, fresh, and well-balanced wines. This wine is a true expression of the Douro terroir, made from a vineyard planted in 1900, with a mix of traditional grape varieties.

Tasting Notes:

• Aroma: Ripe black fruits, earthy notes, spices, and a hint of balsamic.

• Palate: Structured, refined tannins, vibrant acidity, and a long finish.

• Aging: 100% aged in French oak barrels.

  
  

In addition to his work at Quinta do Poeira, Jorge Moreira was also the head winemaker for the historic Real Companhia Velha, one of the oldest Port wine houses, founded in 1756. His winemaking philosophy focuses on respecting the terroir and highlighting the vineyard’s natural expression, resulting in sophisticated wines that avoid excessive extraction and heaviness.

With depth, complexity, and an exceptional gastronomic profile, Poeira Vinha da Torre 2018 is a sophisticated choice for intense and flavorful dishes, such as our rack of lamb with Port wine sauce, served with smashed potatoes. This wine demands complexity, weight, and structure—making it the perfect match for this dish.

Poeira Wine from Douro Region

Recipe: Rack of Lamb with Port Wine Reduction

Ingredients (Serves 4):

Lamb:

• 1 kg rack of lamb

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 sprig rosemary

• 400 ml Port wine

• 2 tbsp butter

  
  

Smashed Potatoes:

• 500g baby potatoes

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• Fresh rosemary sprigs

  
  

Instructions

Port Wine Reduction:

Reduce the Port wine over low heat until it reaches a nappe consistency—when it coats the back of a spoon.

Smashed Potatoes:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F).

2. Drizzle the baby potatoes with olive oil and add the garlic cloves (with skin on) to infuse flavor. Season with salt, pepper, and rosemary.

3. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.

4. Remove the foil and return to the oven for another 15-20 minutes, until golden and crispy on the outside but still tender inside.

5. Place a clean kitchen towel over each potato and lightly press to "smash" them.

Rack of Lamb:

1. Remove the lamb from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking.

2. Season with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.

3. Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add butter to prevent burning.

4. Sear the lamb on all sides until golden brown.

5. Add rosemary and allow its aroma to infuse the meat.

6. Transfer to a preheated oven at 200°C (390°F) for 8 to 10 minutes, depending on your preferred doneness.

   
   

Why Does This Pairing Work?

The structure and tannins of Poeira Vinha da Torre 2018 are ideal for red meat dishes, while its acidity balances the richness of the lamb. The Port wine sauce adds layers of sweetness and depth that perfectly complement the wine’s ripe fruit notes.

Since the wine is aged in oak, it gains complexity and body, making it a great match for the flavorful lamb and smashed potatoes. The textures and flavors pairs beautifully, creating a pairing that invites you to take one more sip and one more bite.

Final Thoughts

If you're looking for a true Portuguese gastronomic experience, this pairing of lamb and Poeira Vinha da Torre 2018 is the perfect choice. I hope you try it at home and enjoy the experience!

Give it a try and share your results with me! 🍷