Abandonado Tinto 2021

A vineyard over 80 years old, with several flaws resulting from partial abandonment for a few years. In an area of intense exposure and with huge outcrops of schist on the surface where not a single weed remains. The people of the Quinta soon nicknamed it the “Abandoned Vineyard”. For years we tried to recover the vineyard and replant the missing vines. Until we gave up. Despite all our care, only the oldest vines were able to survive in such extreme conditions. In 2004 we decided to isolate it for the first time at the Quinta da Gaivosa winery. It immediately revealed a unique personality and character. We decided to bottle it in homage to the equally unique old vines of the Douro, which will one day disappear. Today we celebrate them.

Grape Varieties: Tinta Amarela, Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Sousão, others (more than 25 native grape varieties).

Tasting Notes: Deep ruby color. Great aromatic depth, full of identity, with notes of eucalyptus leaves, wild fruits, licorice, dried leaves and dark chocolate. A harmonious palate, with intensity but also delicacy and an extraordinary purity of fruit. You can feel the schist of the soils, the surrounding forest, the freshness of the altitude, in a pure expression of the nature of the vineyard. An exercise in pure elegance and class from one of the most iconic vineyards of the Douro, Portugal and the world.

Vinification: Total destemming. 9 days of fermentation at 20-22ºC. 12 days of maceration.

Ageing: 24 months in new and 2nd year French and Portuguese oak barrels.

Temperature and Serving Conditions: 17ºC, decant 1 hour before serving.

Gastronomy: Red meat, game meat, cheeses.

Ageing Potential: 30 to 35 years