Production
Year - 2024; ideal weather conditions (moderate daytime temperatures with cooler nights) for gradual ripening and optimal phenolic maturation, color and acdiity at harvest. Generous 2023/2024 winter/spring rains harboured sufficient groundwater to support the vineyards through the very dry August.
Grapes - 70% old vineyards (18+ grape varieties), 20% Touriga Francesa, 10% Touriga Nacional.
Terroir - schist soil, Mediterranean climate (low yearly rainfall and dry, hot summers), certified organic and grade A classified vineyards (Porto's equivalent to Burugndy's Grand Cru).
Winemaking - hand-picked, estate-grown grapes (50% whole cluster) undergo 48 hours of pre-fermentation maceration in tradiitonal lagares with foot-treading for 12 hours, followed by temperature-controlled fermentation by indigenous yeasts before foritfication at 8,5 Baumé. Bottled unfiltered after 18 months of aging in large 7.000 liter (1850 gallon) foudres and approval by the Instituto dos Vinhos do Douro e do Porto (IVDP).
Annual Production - 1,704 bottles
Alcohol - 19,5%
Tasting
See - beautiful deep ruby color with bluish highlights.
Smell - aromas of cassis and wild blackberries, with notes of balsamic, cedar and wet schist; fresh, complex and harmonious.
Sip - juicy, fine tannins wrapped in black fruit; firm structure with depth; the texture is layered with subtle complexity, adding finesse and purity to the mid-palate full of gravity; very long, full of tension, energy and lots of precision.
Enjoy - now or by 2040+, cool (15°C/60°F), on its own or in the company of dark chocolate cakes, strong cheeses, friends, family, and other Vintage Port Wine aficionados/as!
Did you know? Port wines can accompany an entire meal! Younger Vintages, LBVs, and Rubies are especially suited for richer meats, strong-flavored game, and fowl, pungent aged cheeses, or those from the blue family, and chocolate, coffee or nut desserts. With 20+ years (a Tawny, or older Vintage or LBV) the Port wine takes on softer tannins and more elegance and pairs well with more delicate and creamy foods (even fish!) Do inquire about food pairing tips, we love sharing our kitchen and dining room Port wine adventures!