Douro Rosso Quinta Do Monte Xisto 2020

The Douro Red is one of the most prestigious labels from Quinta Do Monte Xisto. It represents the highest expression of the magnificent vineyards in one of Europe's most famous wine regions. This blend of red wine is crafted from the grapes of the estate's most renowned plots, cultivated with ancient local autochthonous varieties. It is a label with a classic character, faithfully interpreting the typical characteristics of great Douro red wines. Thanks to high-quality grapes, precise vinification, and extended ageing in wood, it expresses a soft and seductive character, harmoniously combining the fruity richness of prized grape varieties with elegant notes of tertiary evolution. This is a high-end wine reserved for enthusiasts and connoisseurs.

The Douro Red wine is the precious result of a winery located in the Douro Superior region. Quinta Do Monte Xisto manages a 55-hectare estate near Vila Nova de Foz Côa. The 10 hectares of vineyards are surrounded by citrus orchards, almond trees, and forests, creating a biodiversity-rich ecosystem. The vines have deep roots in stony soils composed of schist rocks, which naturally limit the yield to only a few clusters per plant. The cuvée results from the best vines of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa, and Sousão, partly exposed to the north and partly to the south, to find the right balance between fruit ripeness and freshness, structure, and refined elegance. After a manual harvest, the grapes undergo spontaneous fermentation in traditional "lagares" with the ancient foot treading method. The wine then matures for 18 months in 200 and 600-litre barrels at the cellars located in Vila Nova de Gaia, near the sea, ensuring optimal temperature and humidity conditions.

Quinta Do Monte Xisto's Douro Red is a great wine that reaffirms the vocation of this precious terroir, a synthesis of particularly favourable pedoclimatic conditions and high-quality autochthonous grape varieties. It presents itself as a dark ruby red with bright reflections. The bouquet is intense and elegant, with aromas of small wild berries, currants, blueberries, sour cherries, delicately spicy and woody notes, and hints of herbal and balsamic vegetation. Structured and ample, it presents itself on the palate with dense and ripe tannins that wrap around complex and deep aromas. The finish is very persistent and harmonious.