Douro - Quinta do Crasto

Quinta do Crasto is a 'single-quinta', as we call it, because it is a family property,

and because the wines are made exclusively from grapes from their own vineyards. Even among the breathtakingly beautiful and historically rich terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley, Quinta do Crasto is special. The estate celebrates its 400th birthday in 2015, and a demarcation stone marks its inclusion in the first geographical classification of the region’s vineyards in the 18th century.

Quinta do Crasto is located in the most picturesque part of the Douro, in Gouvinhas between Régua and Pinhão. The name Crasto was taken over from the Latin Castrum which should represent a Roman Fort. Although the history of the name Quinta do Crasto dates back to 1615, the history of wine goes back to the beginning of the 1900s. In that period the domain was bought by Constantino de Almeida, the founder of the famous Port House Constantino. His son, Fernando de Almeira) took control in 1923. Today, Quinta do crasto is run by Jorge & Leonor Roquette (Fernando's daughter). With their sons Miguel and Tomás and daughter Rita, the succession is in good hands.

The 130 hectares of vineyards are treated and treated with the utmost respect and modern techniques go hand in hand with the old traditions such as the grape variety in the Lagares. It is the current winemaker Manuel Lobo who are responsible for the high quality of the wines. They succeed in raising the bar every year. Not only for the typical Douro blends but also for LBV and Vintage ports and for the 'single variety wines' as Touriga Nacional. It is this Touriga Nacional, the national pride of Portugal that serves as the basis for most wines.

Other classic grape varieties are the Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca, Tinta Barocca and the Sousão.

Unique are the Old Vineyards Plots. These are vines whose sticks have an average age of over 70 years and where a mix of varieties are planted. These old vineyards produce the highest quality wines from Quinta do Crasto with the showpieces Vinha Maria Teresa and Vinha do Ponte. These wines are certainly not made every year and are therefore real collectors items

Crasto was among the pioneers of table wine in the Douro, devoting much time and resource to unfortified winemaking when most of its neighbours remained 100% focused on Port. The red wines are among the best-regarded in Portugal, including a quartet of single varietal and single vineyard bottlings whose scarcity makes them much sought-after when they hit the market each winter.

Although initially the Douro was only known for the port wines, the still wines of Quinta do Crasto now enjoy a huge international appreciation.