Quinta Do Vesuvio 2007

Description

VINTAGE OVERVIEW 2007 was an excellent vintage in the Douro Valley and has proven an exceptional year, where the weather combined with the work of the viticulturists and the winemakers to produce some very special wines. The harvest took place between the 17th and 27th September. Picking order Tinta Amarela, Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca.GRAPE ORIGINS Quinta do Vesuvio, Douro Superior. One of the Douros legendary quintas with a very rich heritage. It is also one of the regions largest estates with a total area of 325 hectares 803 acres, of which 136 336 acres hectares under vine. 30% is planted with Touriga Nacional, whilst Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca and Tinta Roriz each account for approximately 20%. Tinta Amarela and Sousao are also significant.VINIFICATION The grapes were hand picked and transported in 20Kg boxes to the Quinta do Sol winery, where vinification took place in the new gravity flow fermenters – after going through a rigorous triage process, including bunch and berry selection. The berries were transferred to the fermentation tanks and delicately crushed. The fermentation tanks were previously filled with inert gas, thus avoiding any damaging oxidation of the must.After inoculation with selected yeast, fermentation took place at a controlled temperature of 28-30C. The pumping over cycle was defined to suite each individual fermentation and based on the characteristics of the grapes, and daily tastings throughout fermentation. In order to further reinforce their structure the wines underwent a long period of cuvaison with skin contact lasting some 22 days. As a result of this procedure, each tank was only used for one ferment per vintage. Malolactic fermentation was induced with a frozen culture of lactic acid bacteria prior to ageing in barrel.Food pairing and serving Quinta do Vesuvio 2007 is a fabulous accompaniment to pizza, casseroles, grilled vegetables, steak, chicken and fish.Current tasting notes Color – Deep ruby in colour.Aroma – On the nose showing a concentrated intensity of lifted aromas of brambly black fruits which develop into subtle mineral elements and notes of perfumed sweet honeysuckle.Flavor – On the palate, the wine is concentrated and rich, without being overwhelming, a blend of power and elegance. The opulent and intense raspberry and dark plum flavors are perfectly integrated with the toasty vanilla of the oak and follows through to a backbone of sweet refined tannins and a long seamless finish. A wine of great pedigree.Drinking status Although approachable now, this fine wine has the potential to develop superbly in bottle for many years to come.Press & Awards 94 Points A powerful, full-bodied red from Portugal, oozing with kirsch, dark plum and dark cherry flavors that are flanked by concentrated dark chocolate, bourbon and tobacco leaf flavors. The long finish features rich spice and smoke notes. Tempting now. Kim Marcus, Oct. 2009 – Quinta do Vesuvio