QUINTA VALE D. MARIA RESERVA PORT LOTE N. 10,Poland QUINTA VALE D. MARIA RESERVA PORTO LOTE price supplier

Conditions

2010 was characterized by the intense and big quantity of rainfall during the winter and spring, on average 35% to 49% higher than the average for the region in the last 30 years. Rainfall was evenly distributed along the seasons, only diminishing in May. June also saw an above the average rainfall. Rain only showed up again at the beginning of September, just in time to fine tune the maturation of the Grapes. Temperatures throughout the period were within the average, with no significant events to undermine the normal growth of the grapes. Due to weather conditions, the vineyards development was some two weeks late, with an explosion of the vegetation in May. This created good conditions to the appearance of oidium and mildium, but preventive treatment was properly in place and none appeared in our vineyards. Maturation followed a very balanced path, with plenty of healthy leaves nourishing the fruit until harvest. Due to these facts, we were able to pick at a very good grape maturity, with well-balanced acidity levels. Yet another year, harvest happened under perfect weather conditions, with mild temperatures and dry weather.

Grape Origins

A blend of more than 25 different traditional Douro grape varieties, predominately Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Tinta Barroca, but also Rufete, Tinta Amarela, Tinta Francisca, Sousão, e many other, all proceeding from old vines and more recent plantations of Quinta Vale D. Maria, vineyards ranging from 25 to more than 60 years old, and facing South, Southeast, Southwest, East and West.

Vinification and ageing

Grapes are crushed by foot, before the fermentation, together with 15% of the total grape BRANDY which would be added to the final Port., allowing for maceration of grapes at cooler temperatures and for a longer period before fermentation. When must is ready for the addition of the remaining grape brandy, the fortification is made in one single moment, adding all brandy to the must and skins in the lagar. Some more treading ensures good homogenization and that the fermentation is stopped. The blend of must and brandy stays in the lagar for some more 2 to 4 days, with very slight treading twice a day (10 minutes each time). It is then racked to the storage vat together with all the press wine (we use traditional basket presses). The wines aged in very ancient (more than 100 years old) wood Port casks and small stainless steel vats until the beginning of April of 2012.

Bottling

May 2012, in 6.000 75cl bottles. Un-fined and unfiltered.

Notes

Quinta Vale D. Maria Reserva Port Lote N.º 10 is a blend ports produced in 2010 (85%) and previous years. This Port shows a great structure with intense fruit character and soft ripe tannins. It is specifically blended to age in bottle for many years to come but it can be thoroughly enjoyed now.