Quinta do Crasto Reserva 2018 Tinto Vinhas Velhas

€ 38.00

Deep ruby in colour. The nose is very expressive, revealing the unique characteristics of our old vines: complex aromas of forest aroma's, gum cistus and berry fruit well integrated. Elegant on the palate, evolving into a firm wine, with excellent volume and a compact structure made of fresh, velvety-textured tannins. This is a wine with a distinctive identity and a long lingering, balanced finish. A wine with a solid national and international reputation and an excellent price / quality ratio. Remarkably complex, it embodies and reflects the essence of the old vines of Quinta do Crasto.

Food pairing

Excellent wine for hearty meals with red grilled or roast meat, lamb and game dishes

Grapes: Composed of 20 to 30 of the best local grape varieties with vines of 70 years and older.

Matures about 18 months in French oak barrels (85%) and American oak barrels (15%)

After the hot and dry year of 2017, the winter of 2018 brought little relief in terms of precipitation. In fact, there was hardly any rain at all from October 2017 until February 2018. Then, the first rains began late in the month and continued in abundance until mid-June. The spring was wet and mild in temperature, which led to considerable problems with mildew between flowering and fruit set. This was an unusual problem for most Douro Valley grape growers. We had to ready to act at precisely the right moment, as there was no margin of error in controlling for vineyard health. At the end of July came the veraison, and the grapes began to ripen. August was hot and dry. Thankfully, the spring rains had left soil water reserves that allowed the vines to do their job and produce an excellent canopy. Outstanding grape ripeness was the result. Cold nights and hot, dry September days allowed late-ripening grape varieties such as Touriga Franca to reach excellent levels ofripeness.

The 2018 harvest began with the arrival of the first white grapes from Quinta do Crasto on August 29, and we wrapped up on October 14 with the last grapes from the highest altitude vineyards. On balance, 2018 brought exceptional balance and freshness to our white wines; our reds turned out concentrated, with outstanding structure and freshness, and clearly defined aromas. The Port wines show excellent ageing potential.

Alcoholcontent

14,5%

pH: 3.64

Store & Serve

Serve at 16-18°C

To drink up to 20 years after harvest year