Quinta dos Carvalhais Tinto Reserva 2018

€ 37.50

Deep ruby in colour with intense aromas of blackberry, black cherry and wild berries and subtle hints of menthol and violet. On the palate, the black fruit flavours are combined with polished tannins and a lovely freshness from the acidity which carries the flavours onto the long and elegant finish.

Quinta dos Carvalhais is located in the Terras de Senhorim sub-region, in the heart of the Dão. The 105-hectare estate, with 50 hectares under vine, was purchased by the Guedes family in 1988. They invested a huge amount into improvements in both the vineyards and the winery – and are credited with spearheading the quality renaissance of wines from the Dão in the early ‘90s. Following decades of state control and a co-operative monopoly in the region that favoured quantity over quality, they replanted the region’s indigenous grape varieties, such as Touriga Nacional and Encruzado, and saved them from near extinction.

Food-Pairing

This incredibly gastronomic wine is perfect for meal-times and pairs wonderfully with slightly fatty dishes, such as octopus "à lagareiro" or oven-roasted meats. It is also an ideal accompaniment to slightly cured Serra de Estrela cheese.

Grapes: 65% Touriga Nacional, 20% Alfrocheiro Preto, 15% Tinta Roriz

The grapes were harvested by grape variety and by plot, where they were subjected to strict quality controls. After de-stemming and gentle crushing, the grapes were gravity fed into small, temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Alcoholic fermentation took place over a period of about 8 days at an average temperature of 28ºC. After the alcoholic fermentation, the malolactic fermentation took place in stainless steel vats.

The wine is aged for 12 months in 225 liter used and new French oak barrels. After maturing, the wine underwent light clarification and filtration prior to bottling. It was then bottled without cold stabilization treatment, which allows a natural deposit to form in the bottle over time.

Store & Serve

Keep in a cool, dry place. Serve at between 16ºC-18ºC. This wine should be decanted after 4-5 years of age. This wine has great ageing potential and will evolve positively for the next 15 years, if stored in good conditions. Once opened, consume the same day; however, this wine should retain its quality for 24 hours if stoppered with a vacuum seal.

Alcoholcontent

13,5 %vol

Critics & Awards

94/100 - Wine Enthusiast Tasted July 2022

This is an impressive wine from this major estate in the Dão region. Strong minerality is allied to rich tannins to underline the wine's potential. Black fruits, acidity and solid tannins are showing beautifully. Drink from 2024. Roger Voss

Tags: Quinta dos Carvalhais - Dao