By Quinta da Foz
Grande Reserva Vinhas Velhas/Old Vines Red 2018

Wine Details
Region: DOC Douro
Grape Varieties: Field blend of very old vines, more than 100 years old
Aging: 24 months in French oak barrels
Vineyards: Old terraced schist vineyard plantations

Vinification
Grapes are selected from the oldest parcels of our vineyards, and the fruit is harvested at perfect phenolic ripeness for each parcel. Fermentation is made in the historic granitic Lagares with controlled temperature and traditional feet treading process. Maceration for 15 days with skin contact.

Tasting Notes
Intense, deep violet color. The nose displays great complexity. Jammy red and black fruit are supported by subtle damson and floral notes. Aging in French barriques lends spice and smoky aromas to the bouquet. The palate is intense, ripe fruit with elegant tannins that persist. Acidity to balance, offering freshness, elegance, and a well-rounded mouthfeel to the wine. A wine with excellent aging potential.

Technical Details
Serving Temperature: 16-18 degrees C
Winemakers: Filipe Ferreira, Pedro Branco
[Information provided by DHI Selections]

Quinta da Foz 2018 Grande Reserva Red (Douro)
From: Douro, Portugal
Rating: 96
Winery: Quinta da Foz
Alcohol: 14.5%
Variety: Portuguese Red
Wine Type: Red
Issue Date: 9/1/2021
A field blend from old vines high up in this steep, terraced vineyard has produced this magnificent wine. It has weight and great aging potential. The solid black fruits, dark chocolate richness and superbly ripe tannins are given the essential freshness by the acidity at the end. Drink from 2026.
Reviewed By: Roger Voss

2018 Quinta da Foz Grande Reserva
Rating: 92
Producer: Quinta da Foz
Wine Region: Portugal, Douro
Color / Type / Sweetness: Red / Table / Dry
Variety: Pinot Noir
Reviewed by: Erin Brooks
Drink Date: 2021 - 2033
The 2018 Grande Reserva is a field blend (centenarian vines and over 30 types of grapes) aged for 24 months in used French oak. [...]. It is easy to call this the best of the winery's submissions in this report. It has mid-palate finesse, good balance, refinement and the longest finish. It controls the oak better than the Reserva. The fruit tastes great but in a dry and refined fashion. This is also the only one of the producer's submissions where I would say you are well-advised to cellar it for a year or two. That doesn't mean you can't drink it now - the tannins are not hard. This is the least evolved of the group, however. It should be better this time next year or even in 2023. It will hold for at least a decade thereafter, maybe more.
Published: Apr 30, 2021