Quinta do Noval Petit Verdot 2020

Petit Verdot is a superior variety with a strong individual personality and enormous quality potential. It is best known for its presence in small proportions in blends of great Médoc wines. It needs sun and heat to fully mature, and it has adapted extremely well to the Douro, producing a single grape variety wine with exuberant character and individuality.

HARVEST CHARACTERISTICS 2020 was marked by two distinct periods. The first during the winter and until the end of May, when the abundant rain replenished the water reserves in the soil. However, the dampness led to some mildew attacks which were successfully controlled. Later, from June onwards, very hot and dry conditions resulted in reduced wine volumes that show great quality and character. The red grape harvest began on the 1st of September and ended on the 22nd of September. Despite the challenging circumstances and a smaller-than-expected harvest, the Douro wines show incredible concentrations, are captivating and have good structure. Due to the viticultural year, the red wines have high alcohol levels, balanced by the enchanting intensity of the ripe fruit. Touriga Nacional stood out in 2020, giving rise to excellent, silky and floral wines. Tinto Cão is another variety that stood out: delicate and resistant to drought, it was an important part of the blends. In the end, our team's resilience and effort during the 2020 harvest were rewarded with wines of great potential, among the best ever made at the Quinta.

TASTING NOTE This 2020 has a very deep and dark purple color, with intensity on the nose, with hints of ink and spiced wild berries. Well sculpted and polished in the mouth, it has a tight structure with immense volume and well integrated oak notes. It is a strong wine that combines both the freshness and the complexity of the fruit, which gives it a very long finish. Carlos Agrellos, Technical Director.

VINIFICATION This wine is fermented in stainless steel vats for 8 days with selected yeasts where malolactic fermentation then takes place.