Quinta do Crasto Vinhas Velhas 2023 Douro Tinto 75cl
Description
Designation of Origin: Douro
Vintage Year:
2022 was characterized as an extremely dry year. Reduced rainfall throughout most of the growing season, along with high temperatures recorded during the spring and summer months, had a significant impact on both the quantity and ripening of the grapes. The winter period, or dormancy of the vines, between November and February, recorded very low rainfall, and from June onwards the region entered a severe drought, reaching 46.5°C in Pinhão, the highest value ever recorded in Portugal. It should be noted that the minimum temperatures at night during these periods were also high, preventing the vines from recovering during the night. Due to the high temperatures, there was an anticipation of flowering and veraison. Despite good bunch formation, the impact of the climatic conditions was significant, with the bunches and berries being smaller than usual, also demonstrating the extreme resilience of the vines, which defended themselves against the drought that set in at the very beginning of their cycle. Ripening checks were brought forward to the beginning of August, with harvesting starting on August 18th.
Grape varieties: white. This was the second earliest harvest, after 2017. Maturation analyses showed some abnormality in the development of the berry compounds, with low sugar and acidity levels compared to average values, a situation explained by the climatic conditions observed. Despite the unusual climatic conditions throughout the year, the old vines of Quinta do Crasto ended up being a positive surprise, with the vines adapting well and producing excellent quality wine. This good performance is explained by the age of the vines, with a good root system capable of reaching deeper soils with some level of moisture, size, and training system that protects them from water stress and low production. The exposure and essentially the elevation of the different plots were preponderant factors in terms of production, with the lower elevations showing much lower yield levels when compared to plots and vines at higher elevations. The rainfall that occurred in the second week of September was of tremendous importance in terms of must quality. Despite forcing a halt to the harvest, the vines experienced a "release" and reacted quickly to the increased water availability, leading to higher yields and alcohol content in the must, without compromising the sanitary aspects of the production. The year 2022 was definitely challenging, with the wines exhibiting moderate alcohol levels, balanced acidity, stable colors, and good structure, but above all, fantastic elegance!
Winemaking:
The grapes from the old vines were transported in 22 kg capacity boxes and subjected to rigorous sorting on a sorting table at the winery entrance. After total destemming and light crushing, the must was transferred to temperature-controlled stainless steel fermentation tanks. At the end of alcoholic fermentation, a gentle pressing was performed.
Aging:
Crasto Reserva Vinhas Velhas 2022 was aged in French oak barrels (85%) and American oak barrels (15%), where it remained for approximately 18 months.
Exam Grade:
With a deep and vibrant ruby color, this wine captivates with its remarkable aromatic profile, where complexity and depth stand out. Notes of ripe red fruits harmonize with delicate nuances of forest floor, enriched by fresh hints of rockrose. On the palate, it presents an elegant start, evolving into a solid and well-defined structure, supported by silky and velvety tannins. Engaging and balanced, it finishes with freshness and a remarkable persistence. A wine of exceptional complexity that fully reflects the authentic essence of the old vines of Quinta do Crasto.
Technical Information:
Vine Age: Average 70 years | Serving Temperature: 16-18º | Exposure, Soil and Altitude: East - South - West - North (120-450 m) | System: Traditional terraced vineyard | Alcohol: 14% | Bottling: December 2024 | Total Acidity: 5.8 g/L | pH: 3.72 | Residual Sugar: 1.6 g/L
