Cellar Selection

Quinta do Sagrado 2007 Reserva Douro Tinto

One of the most representative Quintas in the Douro, located near the mouth of the Pinhão River, has belonged to the Calem family (now in its 5th and 6th generations) for about 150 years, and before that was owned by the A.A. Calem & Filho, Lda. company.  When it started, there were neither trains nor tanker-trucks, so it was designed to receive the wines produced at the Quinta and at the Region’s other landholdings, and from there transport them via barge (known as Barco Rebelo), to the main warehouses on Diogo Leite Avenue in Vila Nova de Gaia.

The Quinta do Sagrado, located on the right bank of the Douro River, 500m from Pinhão, has 20 hectares of vines planted on terraces, reconverted in 1986. On the Terraces, the varieties are planted in 14 blocks and since the varieties planted during the 1980s were chiefly chosen with Port wine in mind, a system of grafting by budding has been used in order to adapt the vineyard to the production of quality Red wine.

Opening a bottle I noticed a deep dark purple color with aromas of rich black and red fruit, sweet spice and earthy tones.  The wine is a blend of 33% Vinhas Velhas, 26% Touriga Nacional, 22% Touriga Franca, 14% Tinta Amarela and 5% Tinta Roriz (Note: Vinhas Velhas means “old vines” and the exact grapes are not known, but probably have their roots from Touriga Nacional).  The palate showed jammy fruits, cherries, raspberries and blackberries with complex spicy flavors both sweet and tangy, good balance with round and subtle tannins.  This full bodied wine displayed a finish with mineral and earthy notes and a port-like ending.  Absolutely a delight to drink.  This wine was a gift from my colleague, Amandio, a native of Portugal, who brought back this gem from one of his trips back home.  Obrigado!

Cheers!