Colheita 2017

At harvest time, the grapes were picked by hand, and upon arrival at the modern winery at Quinta dos Carvalhais they were carefully unloaded directly into the crusher-destemmer. The resulting must was transferred by gravity into stainless steel fermentation tanks with automatic temperature control. The different grape varieties were fermented separately for around 8 days. The Touriga Nacional was left on its skins for a further 20 days. After the alcoholic fermentation, the wine was transferred to stainless steel tanks, where the malolactic fermentation took place, and it was then put to age for 12 months in new oak barrels (16%) and barrels of one year or more (84%). Most of the oak used was French (86%). At the end of this period, the blend was made, and the wine was fined, filtered and bottled. So as to lose none of its quality, the wine was bottled without cold stabilisation and may thus throw a deposit during bottle-ageing.

This is a Dão red of exceptional quality, epitome of elegance and richness. Quinta dos Carvalhais is a top Dão estate, where historic know-how and experience combine with modern innovation to create wines of great elegance, with flavours that are intense yet delicate, a reflection of the region's unique character.

Quinta dos Carvalhais Colheita is bright ruby red in colour. Black and red fruit aromas predominate, with hints of pine and forest floor, and also a minty character that brings freshness. The oak is well integrated and very subtle, adding to the wine's complexity. This is a smooth, elegant, well-balanced wine with vibrant acidity and good tannin to give it structure and weight. Again, there are fruity flavours blending attractively and harmoniously with a minty/menthol character. The finish is long and persistent.

It needs to be decanted only if kept in bottle 4 or 5 years or more Serve at between 16ºC-18ºC. Quinta dos Carvalhais Colheita's elegance and complexity make it excellent with meat, game and various types of creamy cheese. Try it with asparagus lasagna and brie cheese.