About Duas Quintas
João Nicolau de Almeida was the enologist responsible for conducting the research that eventually designated five official native varietals recommended for the Douro region: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesca, Tinta-Barroca, Tinto-Cao and Tinta-Roriz (Tempranillo). He also revolutionised plantings through the Douro, introducing vertical plantings. This pioneering spirit is continued by the next generation of the family, Jorge Rosas, alongside winemaker Joao Luis Baptista.
The Estates
Duas Quintas gets its name from the two estates the fruit is grown for the wines – Quinta de Ervamoira and Quinta do Bons Ares. Ervamoira lies in a rocky area on the banks of the river Côa, where the weather is hot and dry. This adds density and body to the wines. It was the first Quinta in the Douro where, in contrast to tradition, individual vineyard blocks were planted with a single variety, selected for the grape’s most appropriate soil and climate. Bons Ares is a granite vineyard of higher elevation with cool growing conditions, adding freshness and vivacity.
Duas Quintas Tinto is a blend of Touriga Franca, Tinta-Roriz and Touriga Nacional grapes from Quinta de Ervamoira and Quinta dos Bons Ares. Duas Quintas Reserva wine is a blend of mostly Touriga Nacional with a small proportion of Tinta Barroca and the wine is aged for six months in new oak casks. They are then bottled at Quinta dos Bons Ares where they mature for another two years.
Duas Quintas wines really showcase the best that the Douro has to offer, full-bodied, full of fresh fruit (mixed berries, plums) with excellent tannins that provide structure and a long finish.
