Real Campanhia Velha, Vinhas Velhas, DOC Douro, Portugal, 2021

Producer Profile

Quinta das Carvalhas is one of Real Companhia Velha’s most historic and iconic Douro estates, with written records back to 1759. It’s a flagship property prized for its long heritage and viticultural diversity.

The majority of the quinta’s vineyard surface is oriented towards a northern exposure, while a smaller section, situated on the opposite side of the mountain, benefits from a southern aspect. Most parcels are planted on steep slopes, with only a limited area located on gentler gradients at the hilltop. The estate’s viticultural heritage is defined by near-century-old field-blend vines, where rare indigenous varieties form a valuable reservoir of ampelographic diversity. These venerable vines sit alongside younger plantings of selected varieties, cultivated using a modern, precise viticultural approach.

Viticulture

Originating from selected parcels of centennary vines at Quinta das Carvalhas, the Carvalhas Vinhas Velhas is the very best that is produced at Real Companhia Velha. The result, is a superb Douro red, which not only expresses the singularity of this estate and its north facing vineyards, but also reflects on Douro’s history, due to the vast diversity of varieties present in the parcels of old vines. What they extrac from these vines is incredible power and concentration which comes from its sunny exposure the freshness and balance. A wine that will certainly offer great character after ageing few decades in bottle.

Winemaking

The harvest for this unique wine involves a very rigorous and complex selection of grapes handpicked from the oldest vines of Quinta das Carvalhas. The winemaker and the viticulture manager lead a small group of people that only pick the grapes/varietal that taste and look matured at its best. The grapes are foot-treaded in the tradition granite lagar which due to its wide yet low in height format, allows a permanent contact of the skins with the juice resulting in a soft natural extraction bringing along very fine aromas with great complexity and a huge structure reflected by the high quality of tannins. Ageing takes place in French oak barriques (being 50% new) for a period of 18 months in cellars with controlled temperature.

Tasting Note

Carvalhas represents the very best of what can be produced in this historical vineyard. Exuberant and powerful, at the same time showing complexity and elegance, this wine produced in limited quantities reveals concentration and depth, characteristic of the very low yield provided by the old vines. The northern exposition of the parcel, brings freshness and balance. Aromas of black and red fruit are evident, along with spices and herbal notes. A majestic wine with various layers of flavours and a long and memorable finish.

Food matching

Perfect with Game and Red meats.