Carlos Lucas Vinhos, Vinha Do Reino, 'A river runs through it', Douro, Portugal, 2021

Producer Profile

Carlos Lucas is the man behind a portfolio of quality wines from across Portugal, including the Douro, and the region closest to his heart, the Dão.

A pioneer of modern-style Portuguese wines and a talented winemaker with nearly 30 years of experience, he has replanted the vineyards at Quinta do Ribeiro Santo where his Dão wines are created from the area’s poor granite soils. His commitment to the region was affirmed when he acquired Quinta de Santa Maria, in Cabanas de Viriato, a ten-hectare plot of old vines planted with Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Alfrochiero and Jaen. Vineyards are managed using an integrated crop management system, with grapes harvested by hand into small boxes and careful selection in the vineyard, in order to produce a modern expression of authentic Portuguese varieties. His other projects take him across the country, and with the latest addition, ‘A River Runs Through It’ from the Douro we can see his immeasurable talent on display once again.

Viticulture

The property is located in the municipality of Tabuaço, in the parish of Granjinha, along the right bank of the river Távora. A plot of 30 hectares of vines, some of them over 100 years old sit on schist soils, with some granitic outcrops at an altitude between 250 to 470 m, with hot summers and little annual rainfall.

Winemaking

After a careful selection of the grapes, destemming and pressing the must is fermented in stainless steel vats at 22ºC for 15 days with gentle extraction of the colour and aromas, and to preserve the freshness. The wine is rested in stainless steel tank before bottling.

Tasting Note

An opulent and welcoming aroma, with notes of red fruit and wild berries on the nose, yet the plate shows a lightness of touch and a freshness of bright red berries, bramble fruits and a wonderfully light tannin structure.

Food Matching

Rich game dishes such as duck with rice, partridge and chorizo, where the bright acidity cuts through.