2021 Quinta Do Crasto - Douro Tinto Superior HALF BOTTLE (375ml)

Quinta do Crasto is one of the oldest winemaking estates in the Douro, with its name derived from the Latin word for a Roman fort. Historical records trace the property back to 1615, well before the Douro became the world's first officially demarcated wine region in 1756, and by 1761 the estate had earned feitoria status, the highest vineyard classification of its time. In the early 1900s the property was purchased by Constantino de Almeida, founder of the well-known Constantino Port house, and his family continued to shape the estate's identity in the generations that followed.

This wine comes from Quinta da Cabreira, the estate's property in the warmer Douro Superior subregion near Castelo Melhor. The blend combines Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca in equal measure, joined by Tinta Roriz and a small portion of Sousão. Grapes are hand sorted after arriving in small crates, destemmed, and gently crushed before fermenting in temperature-controlled stainless steel. The wine then ages twelve months in French oak, which helps build structure without overwhelming the fruit.

The nose is fresh and balanced, with notes of dark berries, wild rockrose, and cocoa. On the palate, firm, ripe tannins support a savory, almost salty character that carries through a long, elegant finish. It suits chargrilled steak, spicy chorizo, or a firm sheep's milk cheese.