One of the Douro's grandest estates, Quinta das Carvalhas is famed for its sweeping amphitheatre of old vines overlooking the River Douro at Pinhão. The Vinhas Velhas bottling is produced from ancient field‑blend parcels – many over 80 years old – where dozens of indigenous varieties grow interplanted. These deep‑rooted vines, set in schist soils, yield naturally small berries of exceptional concentration.
The grapes undergo the ancient process of foot treading in traditional granite lagares, allowing for greater contact between the must and the skins, resulting in a gentle yet constant extraction. The result is a complex yet refined aromatic profile and a strong structure with high-quality tannins. After fermentation, the wine is aged in French oak barrels (20% new oak) for 12 months under controlled temperatures, allowing for the maximum expression of the personality of these century-old vines.
The estate's viticultural focus on sustainable practices and meticulous terrace management ensures balanced ripening despite the Douro's warm climate. Vinhas Velhas is celebrated for its classical Douro character: dense yet lifted fruit, savoury undertones, and the layered, textural depth that only mature mixed-variety vineyards can offer. The 2021 release continues the estate's legacy of producing expressive, ageworthy Douro reds.
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