Quinta do Crasto Reserva Old Vines 2021

Region and Vineyards

Quinta do Crasto is located in the Douro appellation, a renowned wine region in Portugal. The soils of Quinta do Crasto are varied, offering altitudes ranging from 120 to 450 meters, and the vines are planted on terraces supported by stone walls, known as socalcos.

Winemaking

Quinta do Crasto Reserva Old Vines is made from old vines, comprising 25 to 30 different grape varieties. The grapes are carefully selected upon arrival at the winery, then destemmed and lightly crushed before being transferred to temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. After alcoholic fermentation, the juice is gently pressed.

The wine is aged for about 18 months in French (85%) and American (15%) oak barrels, which adds structure and complexity.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep dark ruby.
• Aroma: The nose impresses with its depth and complexity, showing aromas of ripe red fruits in perfect harmony with notes of wood forest and hints of fresh gum cistus.
• Palate: The palate starts elegantly, evolving into a solid, structured wine with velvety-textured tannins. Engaging, with a balanced, fresh, and persistent finish. This is a wine with extraordinary complexity that fully reflects the essence of the old vines of Quinta do Crasto.

Did you know?

The vines at Quinta do Crasto are on average 70 years old, which imparts remarkable depth and complexity, characteristic of well-established old vines.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled Beef Fillet: The robust structure and silky tannins of the wine pair perfectly with the richness of a grilled beef fillet.
• Herb Lamb Stew: The red fruit aromas and woody notes of the wine complement the complex and herbal flavors of a lamb stew.
• Aged Cheeses: The complexity and depth of the wine pair well with aged cheeses such as blue cheese or aged cheddar.
• Dark Chocolate Dessert: The persistent finish and velvety tannins of the wine harmonize wonderfully with the intensity of a dark chocolate dessert.

Located on the right bank of the Douro River, between the towns of Régua and Pinhão, Quinta do Crasto is a property of 130 hectares, 70 of which are planted with vines.

Nestled on a privileged location in the Douro Demarcated Region, Quinta do Crasto has belonged to the family of Leonor and Jorge Roquette for over a century and like all the great properties of the Douro it dates back to ancient times - the name "Crasto" is derived from the Latin word "castrum", which means "Roman fort".

The large investments made over the past few years have seen considerable advancements in the reorganisation of the vineyards and the implementation of modern equipment in the winery. This work has resulted in a great selection of top-quality wines, including blended wines (Crasto, Crasto Superior and Quinta do Crasto Reserva Old Vines), single varietal wines (Tinta Roriz and Touriga Nacional), single vineyard wines (Vinha da Ponte and Vinha Maria Teresa), and special category of Port wines (Finest Reserve, LBV and Vintage).

Despite the use of state-of-the-art winemaking technology, Quinta do Crasto maintains its traditional foot treading method, carried out in large granite tanks called "lagares".

The completion of this phase of investment and the passion for making exceptional wines has contributed to Quinta de Crasto´s growing national and international reputation.