Quinta do Crasto Maria Teresa 2019 Douro Tinto 75cl
Description
Designation of Origin: Douro
Vintage Year:
After 2017 and 2018, with productions significantly below the average of the last decade, 2019 proved to be more generous in quantity and closer to the average production level we are accustomed to at Quinta do Crasto. However, it was still considered a challenging year, following a dry winter and spring that led to low levels of water reserves in the soil for the vines' needs. We observed, however, that in the months of June, July, and August, the vines showed balanced leaf areas and a healthy appearance, not indicating high symptoms of water stress. We attribute this balance to the mild temperatures (5ºC lower than the average of the last 5 years at Quinta do Crasto) that prevailed from May until the end of August. This factor contributed positively to the grape ripening period during July and August, which proceeded slowly and very evenly. As a result, we achieved exceptional levels of grape ripeness. The 2019 harvest went very smoothly, with cool nights and hot, dry days allowing the grapes to be harvested at the right time. The rain that fell on September 21st and 22nd was also essential, helping to refine the ripening of some varieties.
Grape varieties: later-ripening varieties, namely Touriga Franca. In the 2019 vintage, we received the first white grapes from Quinta do Crasto on August 26th and finished the harvest on October 11th with the last grapes from the higher altitude vineyards. As a final result, in 2019 we have very expressive white wines, with excellent concentration, showing extraordinary freshness. The red wines also reflect the balance achieved during the growing season, presenting themselves as very complete wines, where we can find vibrant aromas, excellent concentration, solid structure and above all great balance, indicating excellent potential for evolution.
Winemaking:
The grapes from the Maria Teresa vineyard were transported in 22 kg crates and subjected to rigorous sorting on a sorting table at the winery entrance. After total destemming and treading in a traditional lagar (wine press), the must was transferred to temperature-controlled stainless steel fermentation tanks. At the end of alcoholic fermentation, a gentle pressing was performed.
Aging:
Quinta do Crasto Vinha Maria Teresa 2019 aged in 100% new oak barrels, 90% French and 10% American oak, where it remained for approximately 20 months. The final blend results from the best selection of barrels.
Exam Grade:
Deep ruby in color, it impresses on the nose with its extraordinary complexity and aromatic freshness, where elegant notes of rockrose, wild Douro berries, and spice stand out. On the palate, it begins compactly, evolving into a very seductive wine, where it is possible to find smooth tannins in perfect harmony with retronasal notes reminiscent of fresh Douro forest aromas. A unique wine that showcases the full identity of the century-old Maria Teresa Vineyard. It finishes in a very captivating way, in perfect balance and with excellent persistence.
Technical Information:
Vine Age: Over 100 years | Serving Temperature: 16-18º | Exposure, Soil and Altitude: East-facing, Schist, 120-190 meters | System: Traditional terraced vineyard | Alcohol: 14.5% | Bottling: April 2022 | Total Acidity: 5.6 g/L | pH: 3.58 | Residual Sugar: 1.9 g/L
