These three wines are an expression of the 2017 agricultural year, an atypical year that was extremely hot and dry. According to the winemaker José Luís Moreira da Silva, “when the grapes reached the winery they were concentrated and had more ripeness, but since we began the harvest very early, they still had the freshness and balance we always strive to attain. The tannins are smoother and riper compared with previous vintages”.

Quinta dos Murças Margem 2017 originates from old vines closer to the Douro River, at lower altitudes and facing south and west, which makes the grapes riper and more concentrated. This red wine is an expression of that concentration and proximity to the river, and only 5.500 litres were produced. The grapes were foot-trodden in granite “lagares” and aged for 9 months in used 500-litre barrels.

Quinta dos Murças Minas 2017 is produced using grapes from vines that face south, where there are five water springs (minas) that let us create this red wine’s identity. According to the winemaker José Luís Moreira da Silva, that identity is comprised of “the balance between concentration and freshness”.  The fresh fruit aromas, vigour and intensity convey the vineyards that give us this wine. The grapes were foot-trodden in granite presses and aged for 9 months in used French oak barrels and concrete vats.

Assobio Red 2017, originating from vineyards like those facing north from Quinta dos Murças and revealing good acidity, is an elegant wine that is less concentrated and extremely fresh. The winemaker José Luís Moreira da Silva states that this wine is “an expression of the Douro, of its slopes with greater altitude and freshness.” Produced using the region’s most traditional indigenous grape varieties – Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Touriga Franca.