V.Porto Qta do Crasto Vintage 2017 Vinho do Porto
Wine Year The 2017 vintage remains in the history of Quinta do Crasto as the earliest vintage ever. One winter with low rain levels and mild temperatures, the vine's vegetative cycle start earlier than usual. Precipitation levels remained low throughout the vegetative cycle of the vine, leading to moderate water stress and consequent natural adaptation the vine to these adverse conditions. We started the harvest on August 8th with the first grapes white, a decision that proved to be very important because we achieved levels of freshness and natural acidity that we wanted. On August 18th, we started harvesting red grapes from Quinta da Cabreira, in the Douro Superior, where we have the possibility to water, which turned out to be fundamental for keep the vines working in a balanced way, thus originating grapes in perfect maturation. At the end of August, night temperatures dropped significantly, which helped to conclude the maturation of the grape. The coming of the cold nights and the hot days originated grapes in perfect balance, so we started harvesting the first red grapes at Quinta do Crasto. September remained dry, allowing the harvest to proceed in the best way. We also finished the harvest a lot earlier than usual, more precisely on the 19th of September. As a general balance, 2017 was a year, of lesser production where the vines presented smaller clusters and grapes of smaller diameter, with an excellent concentration and an excellent relationship between the film and the pulp. A challenging year for the viticulture and oenology teams, it being essential not to fail at the right vintage date, optimizing quality as much as possible. 2017 will certainly be recorded in history as a wine year exceptional.
Grapes Old Vines - Field Blend Winemaking The grapes, from Vinhas Velhas, were transported in food plastic boxes and subjected to a rigorous sorting at the cellar entrance. After a smooth crush without destemming, they were sent to a traditional oil press where men have trodden at regular intervals. Posteriorly, wine spirit was added to stop the fermentation. Aging Quinta do Crasto Vintage 2017 aged in 9000 liter oak vats, where it remained for approximately 2 years. It was bottled without any gluing or filtration, being subject to creating a slight deposit during its aging. Tasting Note Opaque in color, with excellent concentration and aromatic expression in the nose, where they are found aromas of ripe forest fruits, in perfect harmony with soft notes of spice to remember cocoa. In the mouth it presents a powerful beginning, evolving to a wine of solid structure, composed by massive tannins of excellent quality and freshness. A unique wine that enhances the potency of the Quinta do Crasto, which ends in a very engaging way and with an almost endless persistence.
