Quinta da Costa do Pinhão "Gradual" Douro Tinto, Douro Valley, Portugal 2021

FROM LA LUZ SELECTIONS:

THE WINE: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca & Tinta Roríz. Hand harvest at the beginning of September, native yeast, spontaneous fermentation in traditional schist lagars, foot pressed using 40% whole cluster and the rest in stainless steel tanks with 30% whole cluster. The wine then finishes the malolactic fermentation in French oak where it rests to age for 12 months. A truly full flavored, dense in texture, blue in fruit rich wine that is insanely pleasurable and balanced. Incredible depth of violet and dried purple flowers, forest fruits from the forest floor, blueberry compote, and medicinal herbs.

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.