• Portugal
• Douro

After 2017 and 2018 yields significantly below the decade average, 2019 proved to be much more generous and more in line with what we are used to at Quinta do Crasto. However, it was still a challenging year, with a dry winter and spring depleting the vines' necessary soil water reserves. We found, however, that in the months of June, July and August, the vines had well-balanced and healthy canopies, without great signs of water stress. We attributed this balance to the mild temperatures from May to late August — 5C lower than the previous 5-year average at Quinta do Crasto. This contributed positively to a slow and well-balanced ripening of the grapes during July and August. Exceptional levels of ripeness resulted. The 2019 harvest took place very calmly, with cold nights and hot, dry days that enabled picking at the ideal moment. The rain on 21 and 22 September was essential, as it helped to refine the ripening of later varieties, namely Touriga Franca. The 2019 harvest began with the first white grapes from Quinta do Crasto arriving to the winery on 26 August and finished on 11 October when the berries from the highest altitude vineyards came in. On balance, 2019 yielded highly expressive white wines, with excellent concentration and extraordinary freshness. Our red wines also reflect the equilibrium enjoyed during the vegetative cycle. They are highly complete wines, with vibrant aromas, excellent concentration, solid structure and, above all, they are well-balanced with excellent ageing potential.

Opaque, with deep purple hues. The nose is complex, showing wild berry fruit aromas, perfectly balanced with elegant notes of spice and cocoa. The palate starts in an elegant way, evolving into a solid, full-bodied wine made of firm, fine-textured tannins. The finish is complex and deep. This is a unique wine, which captures the authentic essence of its terroir, reflecting the soul of the Vinha da Ponte vineyard.