QUINTA DAS CARVALHAS, VINHAS VELHAS
DOURO VALLEY, PORTUGAL 2017
Aging can be cruel, but in the wine world, at least, it definitely comes with benefits. As we all know, aged Bordeaux and Burgundy are more highly-sought when they are mature, the fullness of their charm only revealing itself after years of aging in the bottle.
Less talked about are wines made from old vines, which can bring a marvelous depth and intensity to even a young wine.
Case in point: this beauty from the legendary Quinta das Carvalhas, the darling of the Douro Valley. Roger Voss, writing in the Wine Enthusiast, perfectly captures its appeal in his 95-point rave: "From a field-blend vineyard that is more than 80 years old, this is a powerful, still young wine. Crushed and fermented in open stone lagares, the wine has a luscious texture and generous black fruits. It also has structure that will allow it to age, so wait to drink until 2022."
Well, it's now 2022, and we can tell you that it's already beginning to show itself in the glass, with all the power and lusciousness that Voss spoke of, but also a gorgeous suppleness.
If you're a fan of Quinta das Carvalhas, flagship estate of one of Portugal's oldest and most distinguished wine companies, Real Companhia Velha, then you know that they have a gift for churning out hits. Seventeen years before the U.S. was born, its Douro Valley vineyards were founded, and it has been producing superlative wines and ports for nearly as long.
What has long endeared Carvalhas to critics and connoisseurs is its remarkable consistency, year in and year out, and surely that begins with its vines. The estate’s arresting, steep-banked terraces are defined by the age of its vines, some of them extending back more than a hundred years. That high elevation is essential to the process, too, along with a dry heat that provides important stress on the grapes. Beyond the vineyard, winemaking at Carvalhas follows the estate's centuries-old methods: the grapes are de-stemmed, crushed by foot, fermented in traditional cement lagares, and aged in oak.
The Douro remains a richly rewarding region for exploration, and no estate better conveys the beauty, terroir, and character of the place than Carvalhas.
Stock up now — we're able to offer this gem for up to 30% off, bringing your cost per bottle to less than $38, a fantastic deal for a 95-point wine!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Spring/Summer 2022. With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in MI, NY or TN. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Sunday, March 6, 2022.
