Quinta da Costa do Pinhão "B Side" Tinto, Douro Valley, Portugal 2020

FROM LA LUZ SELECTIONS:

THE WINE: A blend of Tinta Roriz and Touriga Nacional. Partial destemming. Fermented in lagar. Spontaneous start of the fermentation with the indigenous yeasts. One year of aging in 225l used French oak barrels fallowed by two years in stainless steel vats. A very tasty blend of old vineyard complexity and the fruity and herbal liveliness of the young vines. This wine sets himself apart from the other offerings of Costa, a unique cuvée.

THE PRODUCER: Miguel Morais is the seventh generation of the grape growing Morais family, deep rooted in tradition and inspired by Nature. A mild mannered, humble and passionate man, he manages the estate’s biodiverse, organically farmed 24 hectares, 17 of which are planted with vineyards. After receiving degrees in Civil Engineering in Porto, Miguel returned to the vineyards in 2007 and fell heavily in love with his family’s estate, which is home to more than 25 native Portuguese ancient grape varieties – some of which are rarely heard of (or pronounced properly). In 2014 he refurbished the 19th century winery on the property, cleaned out the old cement lagars, purchased some big old barrels and got the old stone winery’s antique gravity winemaking flowing once again. It was then that he invited his winemaking friend, the famed Luis Seabra to help launch a new generational direction for the estate. Through their use of abundant natural resources, a transition to organic viticulture and a minimalistic approach to winemaking, the future is bright for this dynamic Douro Valley estate.