Ramos Pinto were the original pioneers of quality winemaking in the Douro, a legacy that lives on today and has been adopted throughout the region.
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 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.
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, from selected plots of both Ervamoira and Bons Ares Estates, were harvested and sorted by hand, into small boxes. Vinification was done in granite winepresses or stainless steel vats, depending on the plots. Following removal from the vats and pressing in a vertical press, the wine underwent a malolactic fermentation. During 18 months, 20% of the wine aged in wooden tonnels and 80% in new and one year old barrels. The blend was made in the spring of 2011 before bottling.
The 2016 harvest in the Douro Superior was influenced by a cold, wet spring, which meant a late start to the vintage, two weeks later than in 2015. The vines reached the end of the summer with the capacity to attain balanced maturation. The hot climate during the harvest is reflected in the expressive aroma of the 2016 wines.
Intense garnet colour, clear and bright. Sweet to the nose, with a predominance of ripe fruit such as figs and black cherries. Complex spicy notes, reminiscent of turmeric and cinnamon with hints of cocoa appearing later. The first sensation in the mouth is elegant, sober and very fresh. A fine structure and soft tannins.
Duas Quintas Reserva 2016 pairs beautifully with roast leg of lamb, game such as a wild boar stew, or even fish, like grilled cod. It can also complement a cured sheep's milk cheese. The ideal serving temperature is 60° to 64°F.
Serve between 16º and 18º C. Store the bottle upright, in a cool, dry and dark place.
Wine Enthusiast: 92 POINTS
February 1, 2019, Roger Voss
“This structured wine is built for aging. Firmly tannic and with swathes of rich black fruit, the wine is concentrated. Coming from one of the pioneers of the Douro wine revolution, the wine sums up the richness and minerality of the region. Drink from 2020.”
Wine Spectator: 92 POINTS
December 13, 2018, Gillian Sciaretta
“This generous red gains focus from its solid structure and mineral undertones supporting the plum reduction, raspberry tart and boysenberry fruit. Spice, violet and menthol notes linger on the long finish. Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa and Tinta da Barca. Drink now through 2025.”
Douro Valley, Portugal
66% Touriga Nacional
21% Touriga Franca
13% Tinta da Barca
Cork
14%
No
No
