Origin
This 105-hectare property, situated at an altitude of 465-500 metres above sea level, has 50 hectares under vine. Warm days and cool nights at this altitude slow down the grape ripening process and result in wines with lovely depth yet vibrant fruit and a signature freshness. The vineyards are planted on poor granite soils with a predominance of indigenous Dão varieties including Touriga Nacional, Alfrocheiro and Encruzado. Microzoning studies have been carried out on the estate, identifying nine different soil types and a multitude of different microclimates, and each grape variety has been matched to its ideal plot. This precision viticulture provides Beatriz with a great diversity of blending options. All of the vineyards are farmed sustainably and harvesting is carried out by hand.
Producer
Quinta dos Carvalhais is a beautiful estate in the Terras de Senhorim sub-region of the Dão and is one of the region’s most respected producers. Purchased in 1988 by the Guedes family, a huge amount of investment has gone into the estate, which combines the most up-to-date viticultural and winemaking techniques with age-old traditions, resulting in unique wines with great elegance and personality. In addition to investing in their own vineyards, Quinta dos Carvalhais has also been instrumental in defending the interests of local winegrowers and for pioneering the quality revolution in the Dão region. The talented Beatriz Cabral de Almeida is head winemaker and makes a very impressive range of single-varietal wines and interesting blends from the estate vineyards.
Grape Variety
100% Touriga Nacional
The grapes were hand harvested plot by plot into 20 kg crates and rigorously selected for quality before being vinified separately in small stainless steel tanks with automatic pumping over and temperature control. Fermentation took about eight days at an average temperature of around 28°C. The Touriga Nacional from one particular plot remained on its skins post-fermentation for a further 20 days. Malolactic fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks, followed by 12 months of ageing in new and used fine- pored French oak barrels, sourced from eight different coopers, before it was fined, filtered and bottled.
Food Match
Perfect match for hearty steaks, burgers, casseroles. Would work with a vegetarian lasagne.
Alcohol Percentage
14.5%
In the Press
Silver – International Wine Challenge 2020 (2017 Vintage)
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.