Principal Grande Reserva Tinto 2013

The property’s 61 hectares of vines are spread across the rich clay-limestone soils that dominate the gentle hills of this estate. The entire vineyard is dry farmed, meaning no irrigation is used. Here, three of the world’s most reputed red grape varietals—Touriga Nacional, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot—are planted and meticulously cared for. These grapes are vinified using gravity flow winemaking, producing our most emblematic red wine, which can stand shoulder to shoulder with the finest red wines in the world.

Location: S. Lourenço do Bairro, Bairrada, Portugal (DOC Bairrada).

Terroir: Atlantic influenced climate, protected by the Caramulo and Bussaco Hills. Vineyards planted at high density (up to 6172 plants per hectare) on gentle hills of clay-limestone soils. Completely dry farmed.

Grape Varieties: 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Touriga Nacional, 20% Merlot.

Vinification: Manual harvesting with selection on a sorting table at the entrance to the winery. This is followed by destemming and crushing, with the result being transferred to temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks where alcoholic and malolactic fermentation takes place. Maceration lasts for about 20 days, applying the delestage technique. The wine is then aged for 24 to 30 months in 225-liter French oak barrels (new and used). The final blend ages for another 8 years in the bottle before being released to the market.

Tasting Notes: Opaque center with a very narrow ruby-colored halo. Aromas of preserved black fruit, with some notes of mint and green bell pepper, joined by the spices of the wood, giving several layers of depth. Full-bodied, with a fresh acidity and smooth tannins. The sensations linger on the palate in a very elegant and long-lasting way.

Serving: Serve between 16-18C. Decant 30 minutes before service.

Storage: In a cool dry place (12 a 14C) away from direct sunlight and without big fluctuations in temperature.

Ageing Ability: It is ready to drink now, but it will evolve positively up to 2030-35.

Availability: In 1-3 business days