Quinta Vale D. Maria Tinto

Description

Quinta Vale D. Maria Vine Origin: With less than one hectare, the Vinha do Rio—next to the Rio Torto, at the foot of Quinta Vale D. Maria—gathers 29 varieties, with Tinta Barroca dominating at 49%. At an average age of 80 years, it is one of the oldest vines in the estate. Facing south, it enjoys shaded hours at the end of the day thanks to the adjacent slope. Since 1996, this vine has stood out for its rare elegance and aromatic richness. Initially incorporated into the Quinta Vale D. Maria Vinhas Velhas lot, it has been vinified and bottled separately since 2009, revealing its own identity. Harvest 2022: In 2022, the negative impacts of drought and high temperatures were evident, resulting in a marked loss of yield in the vines. However, the smaller berry size favored greater concentration, boosting the quality potential of the musts. September rains were essential to rehydrate the plants and optimise ripening. The harvest of red varieties began on 20 August. The grape quality was excellent, with volumes lower than the previous year. It was an exceptionally quality year, with lower yield but higher aromatic and structural concentration. Vinification and Maturation: All grapes are hand‑picked, carefully selected in the “tapete de escolha” and foot‑pressed in granite vats, fermenting for 7 to 10 days at temperatures between 22 °C and 27 °C. After alcoholic fermentation, the wine is racked into new 225‑litre French oak barrels, where it undergoes malolactic fermentation and ages for 22 months. The final composition of the lot is defined about a month before bottling, followed by bottle ageing. Pairing: The 2022 Quinta Vale D. Maria Vinha do Rio pairs perfectly with sophisticated dishes such as duck breast with Port wine reduction, lamb chops with herb crust, or black truffle ravioli. It is also an excellent choice for traditional Portuguese dishes like stewed goat, which highlights the wine’s freshness, silky tannins, and aromatic richness. Enology Direction: Diogo Campilho Enologist: Rui Viana Wine Consultant: Valérie Lavigne Awards 95 points | James Suckling (2020 vintage) 94 points | Wine Enthusiast (2020 vintage) 93 points | Wine Spectator (2020 vintage) 95 points | Wine Enthusiast (2019 vintage) 93 points | Robert Parker (2019 vintage) Allergen Information Contains sulfites.