Quinta da Boavista Donzelinho Tinto 2017

Every year, the oenology team decides to bottle one or two monovarietal wines, with grape varieties that stood out that year. Donzelinho Tinto is a classic grape variety from Douro, with proven references in the region dating back to 1531. With small and very compact bunches, it is characterised by small berries and thin skins. It produces authentic and unapologetic wines, that are perfect wines for food. Donzelinho’s parcel extends through mid-height terraces with an eastern exposure, benefiting from unique conditions for its development.

Grape Varieties: 100% Donzelinho

Tasting Notes: Its deep cherry colour heralds a delicate and elegant wine, whilst the nose confirms it, revealing good aromas of red fruit with notes of black peppercorn in a steady, balanced ensemble. Polished yet firm tannins in the mouth, bolstered by an explosive freshness.

Vinification: To ensure the prevalence of the variety’s characteristics and the full control of the process, at Quinta da Boavista we use manual harvesting and manual grape sorting processes, followed by a gentle berry de-stalk and crush. As fermentation reservoirs we have the traditional granite wine presses with foot treading, stainless steel fermentation vats and, for small batches, PVC food containers or fermentation in new 500 litre French wooden barrels. Each of these types of fermentation gives the wine a unique style and personality. Monovarietals age in 500 liter barrels for 15 to 20 months before bottling. we carry out light fining and subsequent bottling. This wine is not filtered or cold-stabilized and that is why it can produce a sediment with age.

Perfect with: Red meat, game or cheese dishes. Best served at 16ºC to 18ºC.

Winemakers: Rui Cunha and Jean-Claude Berrouet.