Vintage Port, Douro Quinta Da Gricha

“A seductive and beautiful Vintage Port with vibrant acidity and lovely precision. It is in ripe years like this one where Quinta da Gricha comes into its own, with its mineral soil and North facing vineyards. This Vintage Port has a deep black colour to the core with a violet blue rim, an exuberant and concentrated berry nose with aromas of herbs, flowers, and tropical fruit. Fresh and spicy on the mouth with hints of gum cistus, wild berries and eucalyptus. The amazing vibrant acidity reveals a final palate full of grip and intensity.” – Johnny Graham, 2022.

About Quinta da Gricha
Quinta da Gricha is located on the South bank of the river Douro between Pinhão and Tua with a North facing aspect. The 50 hectare property comprises a vineyard area of approximately 40 hectares. Named for the natural spring (“gricha”) that feeds the north-facing vineyards, Quinta da Gricha sits in a microclimate at 150 to 400 meters above sea level, with a wind exposure that naturally regulates humidity. Our oldest vines are over 70 years old and produce wines with vibrant natural acidity and complexity. This Vintage Port was sourced exclusively from the old vineyards on the estate (+70 years).

About 2020.
When comparing with 2019, the crop yield was 30 to 35% lower. In August, the vines were exposed to high temperatures and a lack of water, creating hydric stress and resulting in fast maturation, which led us to speed up the picking pace to ensure that the grapes were harvested inside the ideal maturation window. We started harvesting the old vines at Quinta da Gricha on the 7th of September.

WINEMAKING NOTES
All our ports are made in “lagares” or traditional granite treading tanks. This is our preferred choice of vinification for Port. Although more costly, we believe it is still the most effective maceration process for making top quality Vintage Port. We have treading teams working throughout the day and up to 10pm each evening.
During the first six months, the young Ports will spend the winter months in seasoned oak vats in the Douro before being transported to our lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia. Here they will continue to age for a further 18 months in large seasoned oak vats or stainless steel tanks until being bottled.