COLHEITA DOURO RED 2015

Conditions:

2015 was characterized by being an atypical year, with a cold and dry winter and Spring and Summer that were unusually hot and dry. Particularly relevant was the lack of rain throughout the greatest part of the vegetative cycle, at high temperatures between June and July. The climate provoked an anticipated vegetative cycle, around 1 to 2 weeks earlier than average. Oidium and Mildium did not have any impact on the quality and quantity produced. In comparison to the last decade, 2015 was the healthiest of all years. In the older vineyards we did not have hydric stress due to the capacity of older vines to find water. In the new vines, water was scarce, but there was no significant fall in production. Ripening and maturation was earlier this year. Harvest began in the second week of September. Picking happened in the most perfect weather and grape conditions.

Grape Origins: A blend of Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca.

Vinification and ageing: All the vineyards of Quinta das Brôlhas are divided into different plots and each plot is harvested by hand. The grapes are carefully selected by hand before crushing. They are then put into traditionalgranite stone “lagares”, destalked and then foot trodden for 1 to 3 daysbefore the start of the fermentation. All the fermentation occurs in the same“lagares” with foot treading being made at night and the cap manually broken during the day, with the use of the also traditional “macacos”. After the fermentation the resulting wine was stored into small stainless steel tanks until the end of the malolactic fermentation. Ageing took place in used 225 liter French oak barriques for 6 months and stainless steel tanks for another 15 months.

Bottling: July 2017, in 3.960 bottles (75cl).

Tasting notes: A very elegant and fresh wine, with dark red colour. Good concentration of mature dark red fruit aromas and gentle aromatic and fruity flavors. Great balance, firm, velvety and fruity finish.