Quinta das Carvalhas Vinhas Velhas is produced from three century-old post-phylloxera vineyard plots with a north-facing exposure, featuring over twenty native grape varieties planted in a single plot.
These historic plots—Raposeira, Costa da Barca, and Cartola—represent the character of a special terroir, which is reflected in a wine of great complexity, depth, and power.
Store up to 20 years
14-16ºC
Vinhas Velhas
The Raposeira plot adds density and richness to the blend, with a more direct and honest fruit expression. The tannins are full and smooth, providing volume and balance to the wine.
The Cartola and Costa da Barca plots are always vinified together in the same traditional lagar. These plots contribute with forest fruit notes and a more chemical andaustere character. They stand out for their higher acidity, complexity, and adistinctive, original profile.
Raposeira serves as the structural backbone of the blend, while Cartola and Costa da Barca act as the "salt and pepper," adding character, nuance, and sophistication to the wine’s finalprofile.
This wine shows enormous aromatic complexity, reflecting the intensity and depth of the old vines, combined with a fresh profile typical of north-facing vineyards. On the nose, it enchants with forest aromas, featuring notes of black fruit, wild herbs, spices, and wet earth, alongside subtle hints of vanilla, demonstrating a harmonious integration with the oak used during aging. It offers excellent volume on the palate, powerful and structured yet elegant, with the concentration and depth characteristic of low-production vineyards. Firm, round tannins, with flavours enhanced by balanced acidity, making the tasting experience long and persistent.
In the winery, the grapes undergo the ancient process of foot treading in traditional granite lagares, allowing for greater contact between the must and the skins, resulting in a gentle yet constant extraction. This process remains crucial in producing great red wines, resulting in a very complex yet refined aromatic profile and a strong structure with high-quality tannins. After alcoholic fermentation, the wine is aged in French oak barrels (20% new oak) for 12 months under controlled temperatures, allowing for the maximum expression of the personality of these century-old vines.
Plot Cartola
Grape Variety Blend of Grape
Rootstock Rupestris du Lot
Total Area 1,3
Year of Planting 1932
System Traditional Vineyard
Altitude: 200m
Exposure North
Plot Costa da Barca
Grape Variety Blend of Grape
Rootstock Rupestris du Lot
Total Area 0,7
Year of Planting 1932
System Traditional Vineyard
Altitude: 200m
Exposure North
Plot Raposeira
Grape Variety Blend of Grape
Rootstock Rupestris du Lot
Total Area 2,7
Year of Planting 1932
System Traditional Vineyard
Altitude: 200-300m
Exposure North
