Quinta do Monte Xisto

This beautifully composed Douro Superior red has immense pedigree behind it. The source vineyard is located on a dramatic schist (xisto) outcrop (Monte), overlooking the river Douro. The wine is made by the winemaker son and grandsons of Fernando Nicolau de Almeida, Barca Velha’s creator. Having pioneered Ramos Pinto’s Duas Quintas range, João Nicolao de Almeida and his sons Mateus and João junior planted 10ha of vines at Quinta do Monte Xisto in 2005-2006. Located at 200-300m, with carefully chosen varieties and north and south-facing slopes, the virgin site has been cultivated organically and biodynamically from the outset. It produces a powerful, but sensual wine, with lifted rockrose, bergamot, spice and garrigue nuances to the velvety red and black cherry and berry fruits. With elegant acidity and fine tannins, it is bright and harmonious. Finishes long and refined.

Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa and Sousão

Biodynamic farming. Harvested by hand the grapes were transported to the winery in 20 kg boxes. Grapes were foot trodden in traditional “lagares”. Fermentation took place over six days in “lagar” with indigenous yeasts. This was followed by eighteen months of ageing in 600 litre barrels.

Serve 16 -18°C

Red meats, game and cheese.