Quinta do Crasto DOC 2024 Douro Branco 75cl
Description
Designation of Origin: Douro
Vintage Year:
The 2024 viticultural year in the Douro was marked by favorable climatic conditions, with moderate temperatures and rainfall close to the historical average. At Quinta do Crasto, the accumulated rainfall was 581.8 mm, slightly below the average of the last 30 years (627.8 mm), and the average temperature was 0.54°C above the climatological normal. At Quinta da Cabreira, in the Douro Superior, rainfall was 561.6 mm, 12% higher than the average of the last 20 years. Although the climatic conditions favored the development of the vines, they also resulted in strong potential pressure from diseases such as downy mildew, powdery mildew, and rot, aggravated by the favorable rainfall and temperatures between April and July. However, rigorous vineyard management prevented any impact on quality. During the summer, the mild daytime temperatures and cool nights promoted a slow and balanced ripening process, allowing for the full development and balance of all the compounds present in the berries. Despite the lack of rain during the final ripening phase, the precipitation that occurred in the preceding months ensured the necessary water supply, maintaining the vines' vitality until the completion of bunch formation and ripening. The favorable conditions during ripening, along with constant monitoring of climatic parameters and soil moisture, allowed for a gradual and exceptional harvest, with the grapes reaching their optimal ripeness between August and October. The harvest in the center of
Grape varieties: 40% Viosinho; 30% Gouveio; 30% Rabigato
Winemaking:
The Quinta do Crasto harvest began on August 20th and ended on October 9th. The 2024 wines reflect the balance and harmony of this viticultural year. The white and rosé wines stand out for their vibrant intensity, captivating aromatic complexity, and natural acidity, which provides freshness and vitality. The red wines impress with their chromatic depth, remarkable elegance, and robust structure, with ripe tannins that confer a silky and refined texture. The Port wines, benefiting from the warm summer, present a captivating aromatic intensity and a solid structure. The year 2024 proved truly exceptional, with wines of excellent quality that show the perfect alignment between natural conditions and viticulture, standing out for their excellence and unique character.
Aging:
85% of the Crasto Branco batch was fermented and remained for 3 months in stainless steel tanks, undergoing a partial bâtonnage process on the fine lees. The remaining 15% of the batch fermented and aged in used 225-liter French oak barrels, where bâtonnage was also carried out for 3 months.
Exam Grade:
With a pale yellow color, this wine reveals a remarkable aromatic expression, marked by intense fresh citrus notes, complemented by delicate floral nuances of orange blossom. On the palate, it reflects the typical characteristics of the region's high-altitude vineyards, standing out for its vibrant freshness and impressive balance. Its elegant texture is complemented by a subtle minerality, giving it depth. The finish is fresh, enveloping and persistent, offering a balanced and harmonious experience.
Technical Information:
Vine Age: Over 20 years | Serving Temperature: 8-10º | Exposure, Soil and Altitude: East - North 600 meters / Granitic | Systematization: Vineyard on slopes; Vineyard on 1 and 2 trellis levels | Alcohol: 12.5% | Bottling: March 2025 | Total Acidity: 5.4 g/L | pH: 3.49 | Residual Sugar: 1.8 g/L
