Churchill's Estates Grafite Tinta Roriz

A benchmark example of Douro Tinta Roriz with a subtle herbaceous edge to its bright red berry and blood plum fruit. Fresh acidity and a bony frame of tannins – fruit-driven, not oak-driven - maintain definition and poise. The oak adds smoky charcuterie and cedar undertones, but never eclipses the fruit. Ricardo Pinto Nunes explained, “I wanted to show a bit more of the raw character of Tinta Roriz, focusing on the fresh and resinous side with firm tannins. The idea was to create a wine with good grip and intensity, with more tension and nerve rather than more generous.” 14% Drink 2022-2027

100% Tinta Roriz

In 2019, most of the grapes were sourced from Quinta da Gricha, but also estate vineyards near Pinhão and in the Rio Torto Valley, allowing for the optimal blend of vineyards, expositions and altitudes. The grapes were hand-picked into small 20kg boxes and underwent careful selection prior to de-stemming and crushing. Following a cold maceration and fermentation in small temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks with gentle pump overs, the wine was bottled after a year. Only around 30% of the wine spent time in oak (large format 500l French oak barrels), of which 40% were new.

Serve at room temperature 16-18ºC