"Deep ruby in colour. On the nose, this wine showcases intense aromas of blackberry, red cherry and plum alongside floral nuances and savoury notes of balsamic, tobacco box and spice. Velvety tannins and a well-integrated acidity on the palate with a long, harmonious finish. 45% Touriga Franca, 30% Touriga Nacional, 20% Tinta Roriz, 5% Tinta Barroca"
Vinha Grande is a characterful Douro red, classic and intense, a great example of the richness and premium quality of which the region is capable. Vinha Grande is part of the wine portfolio of Casa Ferreirinha, the brand with the longest history amongst top quality Douro wines and one of the most respected Douro names throughout the world.
2017 was a very warm and dry year for the Douro with almost every month from December 2016 to August 2017 recording below average rainfall. Average temperatures were much higher than normal, especially in the crucial spring months of March, April, and May. This meant that the vine’s growing cycle was much more advanced than usual, often being one or two weeks ahead of the expected schedule. The advanced maturation of the vines and grapes coupled with heatwaves in June and July meant that the 2017 harvest was destined to be one of the earliest ever recorded. Harvest began on 7th August and ended on 22nd August.
Vinified using state-of-the-art winemaking technology at both the Quinta do Seixo winery in the Cima Corgo and the Quinta da Leda winery in the Douro Superior. The grapes were destemmed and crushed prior to fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks with regular punch downs and pump overs. An extended maceration on the skins ensured optimal extraction of colour, flavour and tannin. The wine was then transferred to used French oak barrels and aged for around 12 months before the final blend was assembled and then bottled.
The Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Tinta Barroca grapes were sourced from vineyards in the Cima Corgo (including Quinta do Seixo) and vineyards in the Douro Superior (including Quinta da Leda). The grapes from the hotter Douro Superior bring structure and body to the blend, whilst the grapes from the Cima Corgo contribute elegance and acidity.
