Description
Quinta do Vesuvio is one of the most celebrated estates of the Douro, with its historic house, chapel, and winery dating back to 1827. The 137-hectare vineyard rises from 110 to 450 meters, predominantly north and west facing, on schist soils with small granite outcrops. The estate produces exceptionally balanced red wines that are among the finest in the region, showcasing precision, elegance, and age-worthy structure.
Vintage Overview
Winter and early spring rainfall were near average, but above-average temperatures advanced the vegetative cycle by three weeks. With virtually no rain in June or July, August showers were tempered by subsequent heat waves. Despite a summer drought, the grapes reached excellent ripeness, albeit with a 40% reduction in yields. The result was a vintage of outstanding concentration, balance, and quality.
Winemaking
Grapes were hand-harvested into 20kg boxes, sorted manually, and gently destemmed before gravity-fed entry into small fermentation tanks. Controlled fermentations were followed by post-fermentative maceration to extract complementary tannins from seeds and skins, enhancing structure, mouthfeel, and ageing potential.
Winemakers
Charles Symington, Pedro Correia, and Hugo Almeida.
Grape Varieties
-
75% Touriga Nacional
-
22% Touriga Franca
-
3% Tinta Amarela
Ageing & Production
16 months in 400L and 225L French oak barrels, 80% new oak. Bottled April 2022.
Tasting Note
Aromatic complexity with floral notes of roses, hints of lavender and fennel, and subtle pine, forest floor, and peppercorn nuances. The palate is rich and succulent, with compact fruit, focused acidity, and polished tannins providing structure, balance, and refinement.
Storage & Serving
Approachable now, with the potential to develop further until 2033. Serve at 16–18°C for optimal expression.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.