The variety of grape varieties makes this wine deep and intense, with aromas of cherry, plum and wild blackberry, typical of the field blend in its origins.
We can consider the winter of 2020 in the Douro Region as a good one, since it rained more than previous years and contributed to restoring the water levels in the soil. However, February was warmer than normal and caused an early budbreak, forcing us to make some adjustments right at the beginning of the cycle. Spring arrived very mild but brought along all the fears of the pandemic and the first confinement in Portugal. Fortunately, we were able to successfully complete all the necessary tasks in the vineyard on time. In July the climatic conditions changed, and we experienced one of the hottest Julys on record in Portugal. It was a challenge for the vines that had sunburn problems. Luckily, in mid-August the temperatures dropped and there was even some precipitation, which allowed the vine to start the final stage of maturation with some comfort. The harvest began with the whites on the 31st of August at Vinha de Martim, and the reds on the 4th of September at Vinha do Rio.
Grape origin:
A field blend of 41 different varieties, including, among others, Rufete, Tinta Amarela, Tinta Francisca, Sousão, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz and many others typical of the Douro, coming from 10 hectares of old vines originals of Quinta Vale D. Maria. The vines are over 60 years old, with South, Southeast, Southwest, East and West exposure.
Vinification and ageing:
The old vineyards of Quinta Vale D. Maria are divided into different plots, and each plot is hand-harvested on the date when we consider the grapes to be at their optimal ripeness. The grape boxes are placed on a sorting table where the grapes are selected before entering the winery. They are destemmed and partially crushed directly into the fermentation tank. The first foot treading (pressing) is done after the tank is filled, initiating the fermentation process. The wine either remains in the tank or is transferred to stainless steel tanks. During fermentation in the tank, the wines are foot-trodden. In the stainless-steel tanks, manual pump-overs are performed. The wines are then transferred to stainless steel tanks or 225-liter French oak barrels sourced from various cooperages, where the malolactic fermentation takes place. Afterward, all the wine lots are aged for 21 months in French oak barrels.
These different lots obtained from each fermentation are kept completely separate until the final blend is composed, which occurs about a month
before bottling.
Tasting notes:
The aromatic richness that stands out with red fruits such as wild blackberry and ripe cherry, along with floral notes like violet and rockrose, characterize the Quinta Vale D. Maria Vinhas Velhas Red 2020. With an elegant and concentrated structure, it unveils itself as succulent to the palate, balanced and fresh, with a remarkably persistent finish. The authentic essence of the Douro region in all its splendor.
Technical Analysis
Winemakers
