• Viticultural year:  2018 was a difficult year in the Douro Valley, especially due to the intense rainfall registered during the months of March, April and May. Although the heavy rainfall put an end to a period of drought that lasted for around 20 months, it ended up being more harmful than beneficial as it created high fungal diseases pressure and severe yield losses due to disruptions in budburst and flowering. Fortunately, august was dry and hot, a pattern that continued throughout September and October, allowing the berries to ripen fully. Despite the low yield, this year’s wines show extraordinary aromas and expressiveness, with good acidity levels.


• Grape varieties:  40% Touriga Franca, 20% Touriga Nacional, 10% Tinta Roriz and 30% blend of other traditional Douro grape varieties.


• Appelation:  DOURO D.O.C.
• Age of the vines:  +40 years and +100 years
• Type:  Still red wine
• Style:  Oaked, full-bodied and dry.
• Soil type:  Schist
• Alcohol:  14% Vol.


• Ageing:  12 months in French oak barrels, partly new. Minimum bottle ageing of 12 months.


• Bottling:  November 2022
  0,75l › 20.093 bottles


• The wine:  This is Quinta dos Frades red wine that seeks to combine the depth and concentration of the estate’s old vines with a more exuberant primary fruit contributed by younger vines. A significant part of this wine is aged in new French oak barrels, giving it vanilla and toasty aromas, along with a pleasant creaminess that lingers even after some years in the bottle.


• Grape growing and winemaking:  The grapes are selected by hand, destemmed and foot trodden in granite lagares (troughs), where the alcoholic fermentation takes place. Malolactic conversion takes place in stainless steel vats. The wine is then aged in 225-litre French oak barrels, partly new.


• Tasting notes:  Appearance: Deep black core, with narrow ruby rim;
  Nose: Pronounced aromas of concentrated black fruit, with hints of vanilla and toast;
  Palate: Full-bodied, with tamed tannins. Attractive aromas of ripe black fruit mixed along with vanilla and toast from the oak. Long and creamy finish.


• Serving suggestions:  Serve at 16°C. This wine accompanies all kinds of grilled and roast beef, as well as Mediterranean cuisine.


• Chemical Analysis:  pH: 3,5; Total acidity: 5,9 g/L


• Allergen information:  Contains sulphites


• Winemaker:  Anselmo Mendes