Sandeman, one of Portugal’s most historic Port houses, has released its Quinta do Seixo Vintage 2022, adding to its distinguished lineage of vintage Ports. Produced by Sogrape and led by celebrated winemaker Luís de Sottomayor, the new release captures the essence of the Douro Valley’s unique terroir and continues a tradition of excellence that dates back over a century.

A milestone in Sandeman’s Port legacy

With a winemaking heritage stretching back to 1790, Sandeman has long been a respected name in the world of fortified wine. The house only declares a vintage in exceptional years, making the 2022 release from Quinta do Seixo a significant event. This latest vintage joins the esteemed ranks of Sandeman Ports that have been declared since the 1930s, reinforcing the brand's commitment to quality.

Sogrape’s president, Fernando da Cunha Guedes, described each vintage as “a new and exciting page” in the house’s history. The 2022 vintage was released alongside those from fellow Sogrape-owned brands Porto Ferreira and Offley’s, further underlining the strength of the 2022 harvest across the group’s Douro holdings.

The Douro's signature vineyard

Quinta do Seixo is a historic estate located between Régua and Pinhão, in the heart of Portugal’s Douro Valley. The vineyard spans 71 hectares and has been recognized in historical documents dating back to the 17th century. It remains the only Sandeman property to produce a dedicated Port wine under its own name.

The vineyard’s steep slopes and schist-rich soils are emblematic of the region’s challenging yet rewarding terroir. Grape varieties include a blend of traditional Douro red grapes, with Touriga Nacional, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Roriz, and Touriga Francesa forming the backbone. For the 2022 vintage, the final blend leans heavily on Touriga Francesa, Touriga Nacional, and Sousão, which together make up 55% of the wine, with the rest coming from a field blend of nearly 100-year-old vines.

These older vines lend depth and complexity to the final product, resulting in a wine that captures both the strength and subtlety of the Douro.

Harvesting high quality in a challenging year

The 2022 growing season presented its fair share of obstacles. Drought conditions persisted through winter, spring, and summer, with several intense heatwaves reducing yields across the region. Yet these same conditions also helped grapes reach exceptional levels of ripeness—an essential quality for vintage Ports, which are known for their aging potential and robust tannic structure.

September brought mild temperatures and timely rainfall, requiring precise harvest timing to prevent grape dilution while maintaining balance. The results speak for themselves. Now aged and bottled, the wine has shown great promise. According to the winemaking team, Quinta do Seixo Vintage 2022 delivers layered aromas of black fruit, balsamic truffle, and forest floor, backed by firm tannins and a crisp acidity that drives a lengthy finish.

A complex and harmonious expression of place

For winemaker Luís de Sottomayor, this vintage exemplifies the distinct character of the Douro region. “Sandeman Quinta do Seixo Vintage 2022 reflects the typical terroir where it comes from,” he said. “It is a wine that stands out for its elegant, harmonious, and complex profile.”

Indeed, the wine is not just a testament to the skill of its makers, but also to the enduring allure of its birthplace. As climate conditions evolve and vintners are pushed to adapt, this release shows how the Douro’s ancient vines and unique soils continue to produce wines of remarkable identity and quality.

For Sandeman and Sogrape, the Quinta do Seixo Vintage 2022 marks another proud chapter in a legacy built on tradition, precision, and a deep respect for the land.