Quinta Do Crasto Reserva Vinhas Velhas 2023

Quinta do Crasto sits above the Douro river in the heart of the Douro Valley, one of the world's oldest demarcated regions. Reserva Vinhas Velhas is a field blend drawn from 40 hectares of old vineyards in which around 30 native Portuguese varieties grow interplanted, with an average vine age near 70 years. The most celebrated plots, Ponte and Maria Teresa, hold up to twelve varieties in a single parcel. These vineyards sit on the schist soils that define the Douro, where the broken rock forces roots deep for water and retains heat to ripen the grapes on steep, terraced slopes. Old vines yield little but give concentration and complexity, and the mix of varieties co-fermented adds layers no single grape provides. The grapes are picked into small boxes and the fruit is trodden by foot in the traditional way, a gentle method that extracts colour and tannin evenly. Ageing runs to 14 months in French oak. The colour is deep ruby. The nose shows ripe cherry, plum and red fruit, with black pepper, liquorice and a floral, earthy note. The palate is full bodied and structured, with ripe tannins and a long, spiced finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees. It suits grilled red meat and game.