Grainha Douro Branco DOC 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

A blend of indigenous grape varieties, including Gouveio, Viosinho, Rabigato, and Fernão Pires. After a brief period of maceration, the wine undergoes fermentation at a carefully controlled temperature to preserve its aromatic complexity. To develop richness and mouthfeel, 80% of the wine is then aged for six months on fine lees in French oak barrels, with regular bâtonnage (lees stirring) to enhance texture and integrate flavours. The wine is subsequently decanted, filtered, and bottled, ensuring clarity and stability while preserving its vibrant character.

Appearance

Pale straw yellow with greenish highlights, indicating its youth and vibrancy.

Nose

Aromas of green apple, apricot, and vine peach, complemented by white spice, quartz, vanilla, and wild mint, reflecting its Douro origins.

Palate

The palate offers a harmonious balance between freshness and roundness, with flavours of fresh fruit, spices, and vanilla. The wine has a beautiful density, a long and precise finish, and a magnificent balance between seriousness, tension, and delicacy.

Food pairing

This versatile wine pairs well with seafood, poultry, and creamy cheeses, complementing a range of flavours and cuisines.

Accolades

90 points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

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.