Grainha DOC Douro Tinto 2019

Vineyards

Sourced from high-altitude vineyards in the Douro Valley, the grapes for this wine benefit from cooler temperatures that preserve acidity and enhance aromatic complexity. The schist soils and steep slopes contribute to the wine's mineral character and depth. Vines averaging 45 years in age are cultivated with minimal intervention and natural fertilisers, ensuring the authentic expression of the terroir.

Winemaking

This wine is crafted from a blend of indigenous grape varieties, including Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Barroca, and Tinto Cão. Hand-harvested grapes undergo fermentation in stainless steel vats at controlled temperatures to preserve freshness and varietal character. The wine is then aged for 15 months in French oak barrels, enhancing its complexity and imparting subtle notes of spice and vanilla.

Appearance

Deep ruby red with garnet highlights, indicating its density and depth.

Nose

Aromas of black cherry, raspberry, and black tea, layered with crushed stone and herbal garrigue, capture its origin.

Palate

Full-bodied and elegant, with ripe black fruits, fine tannins, and a mineral core. Hints of liquorice and tea lend complexity to the finish, which will develop further over time.

Food pairing

This versatile wine pairs well with rich, meaty foods such as lasagne, meatballs, or barbecue, complementing a range of flavours and cuisines.

Background story

With a history spanning over 200 years, Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora do Carmo is a prestigious estate in the heart of the Douro Valley. Originally part of the Portuguese Royal Family's holdings until 1725, the estate has been integral to the Douro wine region since its official designation in 1756. Acquired by the Amorim family in 1999, the estate covers 120 hectares, including 85 hectares of vineyards within a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Quinta Nova features a 19th-century manor house and chapel, as well as a modern winery that seamlessly integrates with the landscape, using advanced technology to enhance the precision of its winemaking.

Renowned for its pioneering spirit, Quinta Nova has dedicated monovarietal vineyards of Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, and Touriga Franca, with 41 vineyard plots that capture the diverse micro-terroirs of the Douro. The vines, averaging 45 years of age, thrive on schist soils and steep slopes, which contribute to the wines' complexity and depth. With a commitment to quality and sustainability, the estate employs minimal intervention and natural fertilisers, allowing each wine to authentically express its unique terroir.

Quinta Nova's exceptional wines are organised into three distinct ranges: Aeternus, Mirabilis, and Grainha. The Aeternus range celebrates the Douro's classic traditions, producing wines of strength and longevity. Mirabilis merges innovation with tradition, yielding sophisticated, precise wines. Grainha wines are known for their rich bouquet and remarkable ageing potential. Additionally, the estate offers unique blends and the acclaimed single-vineyard "P" series, which incorporates century-old vines to showcase Quinta Nova's commitment to heritage and excellence in winemaking.