Quinta da Costa do Pinhão, Gradual, DOC, Douro, Portugal, 2022

Producer Profile

Miguel Morais is the owner and winemaker behind the organically farmed Quinta da Costa do Pinhão.

Miguel allows his 40-year-old vines to grow naturally on rich slate soils at heights of up to 450m, giving him a bird’s eye view of the Douro and avoiding the searing heat of the valley floor. There is equally little intervention in the winery, where the wines are naturally fermented in slate lagars, resulting in terroir-driven, fresh, balanced and fruity wines that are far removed from the traditional styles of the Douro.

Viticulture

The grapes come from vineyards of 35 to 40 years in age, farmed sustainably and are certified as using integrated production. Over the last few years they have also been practicing regenerative viticulture with a focus to have naturally heathy soils and healthy vines.

Tasting Note

Fresh red fruit and plum aromas typical of the region. Hints of spice, black pepper and cloves as well as some balsamic. Well integrated and firm tannins results in a wine of excellent structure and plenty of complexity and persistence.

Food Matching

Hearty comfort food such as a Beef stew. Mushroom stroganoff, or with a barbeque.