Quinta do Crasto Vinha Maria Teresa 2019

Region and Vineyards

Set in the Douro, this wine is rooted in a dramatic landscape of steep terraces and heat-retaining schist. In 2019, a dry winter and spring reduced soil water reserves, yet mild temperatures from May to late August, around 5 ºC below the previous five-year average at the estate, encouraged slow, even ripening and impressive flavour maturity.

The fruit comes exclusively from Vinha Maria Teresa, an east-facing parcel on schist, laid out as traditional socalcos terraces supported by stone walls, between 120 and 190 m altitude. Planted more than a century ago, it is a remarkable "mixed field blend" vineyard with over 50 grape varieties already identified, delivering the wine's hallmark: layered aromatics, natural concentration, and a freshness that keeps the power beautifully in check.

Winemaking

Vinha Maria Teresa 2019 is produced from old vines in mixed plantings, harvested from the named plot and transported in 22 kg boxes. Sorting is rigorous on arrival, then the grapes are fully destemmed and traditionally trodden in a stone lagar, an approach that can build texture and depth while preserving aromatic definition when extraction is carefully managed.

After treading, the must is transferred to temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks to complete alcoholic fermentation, followed by gentle pressing. Ageing lasts about 20 months in new oak barrels, predominantly French (90%) with a small American component (10%), and the final wine is assembled from a selection of the finest barrels. Bottled in April 2022, it is 14.5% abv, with total acidity of 5.6 g/L and pH 3.58, aligning with the style: compact, polished, and built to evolve.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby, intense and saturated.
• Aroma: Striking complexity and freshness, with gum cistus, wild berry fruit and finely etched spice.
• Palate: Compact at first, then increasingly seductive; smooth-textured, well-integrated tannins with retronasal wild-berry clarity, finishing engaging, balanced, and long.

Did you know?

Vinha Maria Teresa is one of Quinta do Crasto's most historic parcels, planted more than 100 years ago. The wine is only bottled in exceptional years and in strictly limited quantities, which is why it has become one of the estate's most emblematic Douro reds.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Roast rib of beef: The wine's compact power and polished tannins latch onto rich protein, while the fresh aromatic lift keeps every bite feeling precise.
• Charcoal-grilled lamb with rosemary: Schist-grown intensity meets smoky char; herbal notes and spice resonate with the wine's Douro signature.
• Wild mushroom ragù with pappardelle: Earth and umami amplify complexity, and the wine's refined structure carries the dish without overwhelming it.
• Aged sheep's cheese: Salty, nutty depth highlights the wine's long finish and makes the silky tannin texture feel even more luxurious.

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.