Vinha Centenária Ref P28/P21 DOC Douro 2018

Vineyards

Vinha Centenária Ref P28/P21 is rooted in a history of meticulous vineyard study and pioneering monovarietal planting, which took place here in collaboration with the Portuguese Ministry of Agriculture from 1979 to 1981. The research, executed with the Douro Winemaking Studies Centre, identified ideal exposures for Tinta Roriz, Touriga Nacional, and Touriga Franca. Parcela29 (Plot 29), dedicated to Touriga Nacional, occupies a steep, terraced site with a 20% incline and an altitude between 170 and 205 metres. This plot, combined with century-old vines from Plot 21, showcases a truly distinguished terroir, resulting in a wine with an unmistakable balance of elegance and structure. The schist soils, rich in minerals and naturally heat-retentive, lend a distinctive intensity to the Touriga Nacional grapes, expressing a savoury, mineral-laden profile that reflects both the land and its careful cultivation.

Winemaking

The grapes are hand-harvested with precision and sorted to ensure only the most pristine berries are selected. Following a brief maceration, the grapes undergo a cold soak to enhance extraction before fermentation at controlled temperatures in stainless steel vats. To achieve added depth and subtlety, the wine is aged for 18 months in a blend of new and seasoned French oak barrels, with regular bâtonnage (lees stirring) to develop texture and complexity. The meticulous aging process amplifies the wine’s concentration and provides a harmonious integration of fine tannins with the fruit’s inherent richness.

Appearance

This wine displays a strikingly deep, opaque purple with ruby highlights, showcasing the concentration and extraction that Touriga Nacional grapes achieve on the steep slopes of the Douro.

Nose

A powerful bouquet of violet and dark rose is underscored by layers of wild blackberry, ripe black cherry, and a schist-like minerality. Subtle hints of cocoa, sage, and black tea add layers of intrigue, encapsulating the wine’s profound connection to its terroir.

Palate

A stunning interplay of concentration and finesse. It opens with ripe blackberry, black cherry, and wild plum, enveloped in floral notes of violets and a touch of rosemary. The wine’s structure is built upon finely integrated, chalky tannins that provide depth without overwhelming the nuanced fruit profile. Mid-palate, it reveals layers of black tea, subtle spice, and a schist-driven minerality that echoes the wine’s mountainous terroir. Undertones of dark chocolate and espresso add richness, while a balanced acidity brings a refreshing lift. The finish is long and elegant, lingering with a harmony of savoury minerality and dark fruit that speaks to both the precision of the vineyard plots and the potential for graceful aging.

Food pairing

This complex and refined wine is a perfect match for sophisticated dishes like venison, aged beef, or rack of lamb, as well as artisanal cheeses such as aged Manchego and Comté, which mirror its depth and complement its tannic profile.

Accolades

93 points Robert Parker

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.