Quinta dos Carvalhais Único Red

Reviews and awards:
97 points Wine Magazine.

Winemaking:
The grapes for this wine were selected and harvested plot by plot and vinified in individual batches. The grape bunches were unloaded from 20 kg boxes directly into the destemmer, with the grapes falling by gravity into small stainless steel vats where they underwent 8 days of alcoholic fermentation at a controlled temperature of 28ºC, followed by 20 days of post-fermentative maceration. Malolactic fermentation was followed by 12 months of aging in new French oak barrels from nine different cooperages. Throughout this maturation, repeated tastings of individual batches allowed for a precise understanding of their evolution, enabling the selection of only the best barrels with which to develop the final blend. This blended wine was then fined and filtered before bottling.

Exam notes:
It presents an intense purple hue and a nose rich in red and black fruits, harmoniously combined with notes of eucalyptus, pine and pine needles with hints of oak and spices. On the palate, a firm attack and austere tannins reveal splendid balance and elegance, fine acidity and a remarkable minerality that gives it freshness and imparts to the wine its exceptional gastronomic potential.

Storage and serving tips:
Like most red wines from the Dão region, it has a long life in the bottle, easily maintaining its character for 10-15 years. Once opened, the wine should be enjoyed within a day, although it will keep for some time if well sealed. The bottle should be stored on its side in a cool, dry place. Sediment forms naturally over the years of bottle aging, and decanting is recommended. Once opened, the wine should be enjoyed on the same day, in large glasses that allow the wine to breathe. Serve between 16ºC-18ºC.

Reviews and awards:
19 points Wine Magazine;
18.5 points Grandes Escolhas Wine;
Silver Medal, International Wine Challenge 2010 (Other colheitas );
Bronze Medal, International Wine Challenge 2009 (Other colheitas );
Silver Medal Challenge International du Vin 2008 (Other colheitas );
Bronze Medal, International Wine Challenge 2008 (Other colheitas )