Estate
Quinta das Brôlhas consists of two properties under a single name, one on the right bank of the River Douro, near Régua, and the other on the 
left bank, in Valdigem, holding the estate’s granite-mill winery and 17th manor house. It has been in the family of its current owner, Macário de Castro Pereira Coutinho, since that very century. The estate’s vineyards cover some 25 hectares, spread over 12 levels. Vines producing red wine grape varieties take up 20 hectares on the estate, with white wine varieties making up the remaining 5. The vines on the estate are all 10 to 50 years old. The estate is of southern and south-westerly exposure, with shale-rich soils typical of the region.
Harvest
The 2007 vintage took place under conditions of moderate heat, with some humidity, allowing for a slow maturation, well-balanced in terms of acidity. The harvest, held only after careful analysis of the grapes, took place toward the end of September, with the grapes arriving at the winery in 25Kg boxes and in excellent condition.
Technology
At their ideal point of maturity, the grapes were manually harvested, destemmed and submitted to prolonged fermentation on skins in stainless-steel vats. Following fermentation, the wine was matures in French-oak barrels for a period of 12 months. The wine was bottled in July 2009, continuing to mature in bottle before its release in December 2009. In total, 2500 bottles were produced.
Description
A deep and lively ruby colour, the wine has a complex and vibrant aroma, with ripe fruit enveloped in well-present notes of wood, evolving well over time. In the mouth, a potent wine, with well-present tannins balanced by an elegant acidity and a persistent finish. Although it may be left to age for some time, the wine is ready to be enjoyed, pairing excellently with kid or lamb roasts typical of feast days.
Chemical analysis
Alcoholic content: 13.8 % (v/v)
Volatile acidity: 0.48 g/dm3
Total acidity: 5.56 g/dm3
pH: 3.42
Awards
Quinta das Brôlhas: Best of Wine Tourism 2006, awarded by the Great Wine Capitals network (Mendoza, Argentina).
Winemaker
Virgílio Loureiro