Vilarissa Valley Garrafeira 2017

VINIFICATION
Harvesting began in mid-August, having been a very dry and hot year in the Douro. Since December 2016, rainfall in the Douro has been substantially below average. Except for a period of torrential rain in July that caused damage in some areas of the region.
The grapes were picked by hand and transported, in 20kg boxes, to the cellar. Afterwards, they were immediately cooled in refrigerated chambers. Crushing and destemming followed by fermentation in a temperature-controlled press for
24 hours, ending the fermentation process in stainless steel vats. 95% of the batch aged in barrels, 65% aged in new 225L French oak barrels, and the remaining percentage in 2nd year barrels, for 24 months. The remaining batch remains in stainless steel vats. Before its launch, it was kept in the cellar for 32 months, hence the name Garrafeira.

TEST RESULTS
Intense and vibrant ruby-red color. Very concentrated, very ripe red and black fruits, especially blackberries and violets and with balsamic notes of oak wood. Full-bodied, complex and balanced, a lot of fruit concentration, with ripe and silky tannins and a good acidity. In the end it is long and persistent.

HARMONIZATION
Perfect with grilled or roasted red meats and game meats, and matured and buttered cheeses, served between 16o and 18oC.
Subject to form a slight deposit with aging in the bottle.