Quinta do Crasto Reserva Old Vines
Douro DOC, Douro Valley
Tasting Notes
Deep dark ruby in colour. The nose impresses for its depth and complexity, showing aromas of ripe red fruits in perfect harmony with notes the wood forest and hints of fresh gum cistus. The palate starts in an elegant way, evolving into solid, structured wine, with velvet-textured tannins. Engaging, with a balanced, fresh, and persistent finish. This is a wine with an extraordinary complexity that fully reflects the essence of the old vines of Quinta do Crasto.
Vintage Notes
2021 will be remembered for its freshness and elegance. In a year when particularly unstable weather conditions presented challenges both in the vineyard and in the winery, it took a large dose of meticulous planning, periodic monitoring, and adaptability to achieve the level of excellence that was finally accomplished. Following a cold winter with abundant rainfall, the vines began the growth cycle with healthy water reserves. Mild temperatures from budburst to veraison meant that the vines underwent very little stress, hastening the growth cycle by approximately 15 days relative to the five-year average. The harvest began in the last week of August with hot, dry days and cold nights. The first rains came on the 1st and 2nd of September, as the average temperature fell, and harvesting was completed smoothly amidst pleasant temperatures. This memorable year has produced elegant, full-bodied wines with excellent freshness, refined fruit aromas and silky tannins, wines with excellent bottle-ageing potential.
Winemaking Notes
The grapes, coming from old vines, are taken to the winery in 22 kg plastic boxes and undergo strict selection on arrival. Following a complete destemming and slight crushing, the juice is transferred to temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks. Once the alcoholic fermentation is completed, the juice is gently pressed.
Aged about 18 months in French (85%) and American (15%) oak barrels.
Vineyard Notes
Age of Vines: 70 years old on average
Aspect, Soil and Altitude: East - South - West - North, 120-450 m
Landscaping: Socalcos (terraces supported by stone walls)
Tasting Notes
Vintage Notes
Adverse weather conditions made 2016 a complex year. The winter saw generous levels of rainfall, far above the average for the last thirty years. It was also warmer than usual through the end of January. The rain continued into early spring, but it was accompanied by an considerable fall in temperatures that slowed the growth of the vines. July and August were extremely hot and dry. The rainy winter had provided abundant water reserves that yielded lush vines with excellent canopies. The grapes were ripening well, if slowly. Quinta do Crasto saw 18mm of rain on 24 and 25 August, which was of great benefit to the vines. This, together with a fall in temperatures in early September, gave rise to the perfect ripening of the grapes. The white grape harvest began on 2 September and the first red wine grapes began coming into the winery on 5 September. The good weather continued throughout the harvest, enhancing maturation and this allowed us to pinpoint the exact moment to pick each particular vineyard or variety. As a result, the whites, reds and Ports made this year had excellent color, deep aromas and serious structure, as well as being elegant and well-balanced. The complexity of this harvest meant the viticultural and winemaking team had to spend considerable time in the vineyards so as to make the most important decisions that would lead to great wines.
Winemaking Notes
- Grape Varieties: Old vines (mixed plantings with 25 to 30 different grape varieties)
- Winemaking: Following harvesting from the old vines, the grapes are brought to the winery in 22 kg plastic boxes where they undergo strict selection. After complete destemming and slight crushing, the juice is transferred to temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks. Once the alcoholic fermentation is completed, the grape are gently pressed using hydraulic presses.
- Ageing: About 18 months in French (85%) and American (15%) oak barrels.
Tasting Notes
Deep ruby in colour. The nose shows a particular complexity, with notes of gum cistus and fresh spice, very well integrated with exuberant aromas of wild fruits. Elegant on the palate, rapidly evolving into a wine of excellent volume and a compact structure made of fresh, velvety-textured tannins. The finish is lingering and balanced. A wine that mirrors the unique identity of the old vines of Quinta do Crasto.
Vintage Notes
2015 was a dry but well-balanced year that was saved by the right amount of rainfall at exactly the right moment. July and August were mild, with hot days and cold nights, which had a positive influence on the ripening of the grapes. The white grape harvest began on 21 August and the first red wine grapes arrived in the winery from the Quinta da Cabreira in the Douro Superior on 29 August. Weather conditions throughout the harvest were favourable. Rain on 15 and 16 September favoured the final ripening of some of the grapes, namely that of the Touriga Nacional. The white and red wines from this year show excellent aromatic distinctiveness and compact structures made up of high quality, rounded tannins. This is a year whose wines stand out for their generous fruit, natural freshness and extraordinary elegance.
Winemaking Notes
The grapes, coming from old vines, are taken to the winery in 25 kg plastic boxes and inspected on a sorting table on arrival. The grapes are then completely destemmed and slightly crushed. After this, the must is transferred to temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Once the alcoholic fermentation is completed, the grape are gently pressed using hydraulic presses. Ageing: 85% in French oak barrels and 15% in American oak barrels for about 18 months.