Quinta do Crasto Touriga Nacional 2017
€ 59.20
| Producer | Quinta do Crasto |
| Region | Douro |
| Grapes | Touriga Nacional |
| Ageing | 18 months in French oak casks |
| Alcohol | 14.5%vol | pH: 3.57 |
| Serving | 16°C, decant Store at a constant 15°C |
| Drinking window | Up to 15 years after the harvest |
| Scores | 94/100 Wine Enthusiast |
Touriga Nacional 2017: violets and wild berries, made only in the best years.
Tasting note
Deep purple. A fresh nose with seductive aromas of violets and wild berries. Elegant on the palate, with excellent volume and a firm structure of fresh, fine-grained tannins, and a fresh, persistent and perfectly balanced finish.
The story
This Touriga Nacional is only made in the best years.
The grapes come from Crasto’s best Touriga Nacional plots, arrive in 22 kg crates and are strictly sorted. After full destemming and light crushing, the juice ferments in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. It is then gently pressed and aged for eighteen months in French oak casks.
2017 was the earliest harvest ever at Crasto. After a warm, dry winter the growing cycle started early and it stayed dry. White grapes were picked from 8 August, reds from 18 August, and everything was in by 19 September. Lower yields, with smaller bunches and berries, but excellent concentration.
Food pairing
A full, firm wine for rich dishes: a real winter warmer with hearty red meat and game dishes.
The producer
Quinta do Crasto lies on the right bank of the Douro, between Régua and Pinhão, in the heart of the Cima Corgo. The quinta is recorded as early as 1615, and in 1918 the Port merchant Constantino de Almeida bought the estate. His descendants still own it: in the 1980s Leonor de Almeida and her husband Jorge Roquette began modernising the vineyards, and since 1994 Crasto has released its wines under its own name.
The vineyards lie on steep schist terraces, with many very old field-blend vines, such as Vinha da Ponte and Vinha Maria Teresa. Crasto also owns Quinta da Cabreira in the Douro Superior, the source of the Superior wines.
Critics & Awards
94/100 Wine Enthusiast
Selected Touriga Nacional fruit, rich and perfumed. Its black fruits are developing well, balancing density with elegance. Ready to drink from 2023 (Roger Voss).
Selected Touriga Nacional fruit, rich and perfumed. Its black fruits are developing well, balancing density with elegance. Ready to drink from 2023 (Roger Voss).
4,3/5 Vivino (63 ratings)
