The winter of 2012 was really dry, with a low level of rain in the region. The vines developed slowly, showing some irregularities during the evolution of the vegetative cycle.
In summer the temperatures were warm allowing a regular and slow maturation which was important to preserve the natural qualities of the fruit, such as sugars and acidity, anticipating a production of fresh and well-balanced wines.
In comparison with the last years, the harvest happened under cooler temperatures, almost at the end of September. The Vinha do Rio was the the first plot to be harvested on September 26th. When the grapes arrived at the winery, another selection was made, allowing to preserve the high quality of the fruit, which was extremely important to improve the development of the whole vinification.
Vintage: 2012 Grape Varieties: Douro traditional grape varieties from old vines Vineyard Area: 20ha Soils: Greywacke schist complex Tons per Hectare: 4tons /ha
The grapes are hand-selected, fermentation take place in granitic lagares with foot treading. The wine aged for 12 months in 300L French oak barrels.
Concentrated ruby colour. Well-ripped red fruits aroma combined with floral and wooden notes. Complex-structured flavour of red fruit and wellbalanced acidity show a long and an elegant final
Food pairing: Traditional codfish and meat
Serving temperature: 14 – 16oC 2016-2021