Mirabilis DOC Douro 2020

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 Viosinho, Gouveio, and other ancient vines. Hand-harvested grapes undergo whole cluster pressing, followed by fermentation and maturation for nine months in French and Hungarian oak barrels. Bâtonnage is performed every two weeks during the first five months to enhance texture and complexity. The wine is then decanted, filtered, and bottled, ensuring clarity and stability while preserving its vibrant character.

Appearance

The Mirabilis DOC Douro 2020 presents a striking, vibrant straw-yellow hue with glints of green, showcasing its youth and freshness. The wine's clarity and slight viscosity hint at its richness and complexity, offering a preview of its layered profile.

Nose

Complex and layered, with an inviting bouquet of ripe citrus, apricot, and white peach that unfolds alongside delicate floral hints of jasmine and orange blossom. Subtle undertones of honeyed almonds, wet stone, and a touch of vanilla add depth, reflecting the wine's time on fine lees and partial oak aging. The aromatic profile is elegant, with a vibrant freshness that speaks to its Douro origins.

Palate

A luxurious texture balanced by a bright, refreshing acidity. Initial flavours of pear, golden apple, and ripe citrus transition seamlessly into a rich mid-palate, where nuances of toasted hazelnut and vanilla emerge, showcasing the wine's time in oak. There’s a distinct minerality, characteristic of the schistous soils, that adds a savoury edge and underscores the wine's structure. The finish is exceptionally long, with lingering notes of saline minerality, fresh stone fruits, and a touch of creaminess, leaving a refined and lasting impression.

Food pairing

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

Accolades

93 points Wine Enthusiast

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.