Quinta do Crasto Altitude 430 Tinto 2020

€ 18.50

Crasto Altitude 430 is low in alcohol, as is typical of grapes grown not only at high altitudes (430 meters) but also with a northern exposure. Thus, it showcases all the freshness and elegance of the Tinta Francisca and Touriga Nacional grapes grown under these conditions. Garnet in colour, it has clean and clearly defined aromas, with red fruit notes in perfect harmony with hints of fine spices and aromatic woodlands, all of which come together with great elegance. In the mouth, it is engaging, with serious volume and exceptionally fine texture. A highly seductive wine, Crasto Altitude 430, has come to open up a new chapter in the Quinta do Crasto story and to put on display our ability to produce highly distinctive Douro wines.

Garnet in colour. The nose oers expressive notes of red fruit, perfectly balanced with delicate forest and fine spice aromas. The mouth starts in an engaging way, evolving into a wine of excellent volume and fine texture. This is a wine that embodies all the freshness and elegance that the Tinta Francisca and Touriga Nacional grapes deliver when planted at an altitude of 430 metres, with a north facing aspect. Seductive, with a fresh, elegant finish.

This wine stands out, firstly, due the typical Douro valley grapes – Tinta Francisca (70%) and Touriga Nacional (30%) blended purposely yield this particular wine profile. Tinta Francisca, when grown at altitude, is well recognized for presenting good freshness with intriguing aromas. It is light in colour but offers excellent structure. Touriga Nacional, is a very expressive variety which, at altitude, has optimal acidity and natural freshness whose red fruit aromas are fresher and lighter than those of Tourigas grown at lower altitudes. Crasto Altitude 430 also stands out due to a vinificiation process distinct from that of the rest of the Quinta do Crasto range.

Food pairing

Excellent wine with red meat, roast beef and grilled meat

Grapes: 70% Tinta Francisca; 30% Touriga Nacional

Vinha ao alto (rows of vines planted up and down the slope) and patamares (terraces) with one rows of vines. Vines are 15 years old

The grapes are taken to the winery in 22 kg boxes and undergo strict selection on arrival. Following a complete destemming and slight crushing, the juice is transferred to temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks. The juice ferments for 4 days in contact with the grape skins, with very gentle extraction. It is then pressed and transferred to wooden barrels where fermentation continues until it is completed. Aged for 12 months in French old oak barrels.

2020 was an extremely demanding year, not only due to the global pandemic, but also the harsh weather conditions that were particularly hot and dry during the critical grape ripening period. This was the warmest winter since 2005, accompanied however, with high rainfall, especially in December, both at Quinta da Cabreira (Douro Superior) and Quinta do Crasto (Cima Corgo). March to June were also hot and rainy, leading to an early budburst, which occurred about ten days earlier than usual. This weather was particularly worrisome as it represented a risk of potential vine disease and required rigorous monitoring by the viticulture team to avoid potential infection.

July and August were hot, but soil water was fortunately suicient to ensure correct grape ripening. However, it was essential not to miss the optimal harvest time, so as to prevent grape dehydration. The harvest started on 17 August and ended on 25 September. The yield was a lower than average with smaller bunches and smaller berries with an excellent skin-to-pulp ratio, which were, thus, highly concentrated. This Covid-19 vintage benefitted from all the professionalism and dedication of the Quinta do Crasto team and yielded white wines with excellent balance, freshness and aromatic definition and very complete reds with highly expressive fruit, seductive texture, and great persistence.

Alcoholcontent

12,5 % vol

pH: 3,45

Store & Serve

Serve at 16-18°C

Critics & Awards

Tags: Quinta do Crasto - Douro