Founded in 1880 by Adriano Ramos Pinto, this Port House has always had a pioneering spirit – from the distinctive and stylish ‘art nouveau’ advertising from the 1900s to the continuing wide ranging vineyard research with results that have benefited the whole port trade. Champagne Louis Roederer, now the majority shareholder, perpetuates this philosophy and ensures continuity in a company renowned for wine-making excellence.
Duas Quintas of the name refers to the two Ramos Pinto Douro vineyards where the grapes for this wine are grown. The hotter Quinta de Ervamoira produces ripe rich flavoured fruit while the high altitude Quinta dos Bons Ares adds freshness and balance.
The grapes are harvested by hand and transported to the winemaking centre in small boxes. After selection, the grapes are vinified separately, according to the variety and the vineyard; the must is obtained by direct pressing after cold maceration. The clean must was fermented in stainless steel vats at low temperature (90%) and in French oak casks (10%).
Overall, a dry and warm year in the Douro, but with enough rainfall at the right times to keep the vines in good condition. Disease pressure was low and the harvest was earlier than average. Flavour ripeness is impressive across all varieties, but acidity levels are fairly low, as are yields.
João Nicolau de Almeida said “2015 was a very, very nice year. It will be a vintage Port year. The grapes were healthy, none were raisined, they have acidity, maturity of tannins and good sugar. Though the fruit took a little time to arrive the tannins were soft and mature.”
Clean and bright, very pale with light gold reflections.
Aromas of sweet fruit, melon and grape with floral notes of roses and white flowers with a final hint of spices.
Excellent when served as an aperitif or an accompaniment with smoked fish, dry-cured ham, mushroom risottos or roast chicken.
Serve between 12º and 14º C. Store the bottle on its side in a cool, dry and dark place.
Douro Valley, Portugal
60% Rabigato
30% Viosinho
10% Arinto
Cork
12.5%
