Varietals

4 Castas 2017

2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010

Red

Wine Concept

A challenge for the winemakers to find four grape varieties that, in this year, present the best harmony and, when combined, produce a complex and distinctive wine profile.

Agriculture

Autumn and winter were colder and wetter than the previous year, with more rain and the lowest temperatures between November and February. Nonetheless, temperatures and rain remained within the average of the past 18 years. Spring featured higher temperatures than in 2016, leading to earlier phenolic stages. A hot and dry spring ensured healthy grape development. Summer began hotter than in 2016 (+2,0 °C), leading to earlier maturation. Temperatures in August and September were lower than in 2016, making grapes ripen more quickly and producing higher sugar levels, which led to more fullbodied white wines with notes of ripe fruit, and red wines that are rich and concentrated.

SOIL TYPE
Schist origin with clay/loam structure.

AGE OF VINES’
16 years old

Grape Varieties

Alicante Bouschet, Touriga Nacional, Syrah, Alfrocheiro

Vinification / Maturation

Temperature controlled fermentation (22 a 25ºC) in concrete tanks and stainless steel vats.

Aged for 6 months between concrete tanks, stainless steel vats and French oak barrels, followed by another 6 months in the bottle.

More Information

Wine Makers

David Baverstock and Sandra Alves

Colour

Clear, garnet colour, intense and concentrated.

Aroma

Refined and vibrant aromas from the Alfrocheiro combined with notes of violet and dark fruit from the Touriga Nacional.

Palate

On the palate, the Alicante Bouschet lends a velvety and firm structure, while the Syrah consolidates intensity, creating an elegant and balanced combination.

Sizes

750 ml

Bottling

July 2018

Alcohol/Volume

14 %

Total Acidity

5.9 g/l

pH

3.67

Reducing Sugar / Baumé

0.3 g/l