This small 5 hectare vineyard is situated in the Cima Corgo, in the heart of Rio Torto Valley, long recognised as one of the finest regions of the Douro. This small, peninsular-shaped vineyard is planted in a pronounced curve of the Torto River. Almost the entire vineyard is planted on a gentle slope, facing south and southwest. Madalena lies alongside the riverbed of the Torto river (one of the tributaries of the Douro famous for its top rated production). In the summer months temperatures can rise in this area at the base of the valley to as high as 104ºF in the shade, which under windless conditions results in excellent maturity in the grapes at the time of harvest. This rare concentration of flavor and sugars is exactly what is required to make great Port. The soil’s main component is shist, a laminated slate-like rock.

Half of Quinta da Madalena is covered with plantings of old, mixed, very low-yielding vines. These bestow remarkable depth and complexity to the Smith Woodhouse Ports, in particular the Vintage and Late Bottled Vintage Ports.