Quinta Vale D. Maria Vinha da Francisca 2021 Awarded Grand Gold Medal at the 2024 Portugal Wine Competition

Planted in 2004, Vinha da Francisca stands as a symbol of viticultural excellence in the Douro region, blending five emblematic grape varieties: Sousão, Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Francisca, and Rufete. Spanning 4.5 hectares in the heart of Quinta Vale D. Maria, this vineyard, predominantly facing south and southeast, yields grapes of exceptional quality. It was these grapes, harvested in 2021, that gave rise to the award-winning wine for the fourth consecutive year: Quinta Vale D. Maria Vinha da Francisca 2021, distinguished with the Grand Gold Medal at the 2024 Portugal Wine Competition.

Marked by unpredictable weather conditions in the Douro, 2021 posed some challenges, although it culminated in a balanced harvest. Winter rains were sufficient to replenish reserves until the beginning of summer, but the lack of water in July and August presented a new challenge. However, cool nights and the absence of extreme heat ultimately allowed for balanced ripening, while unexpected rains in September fulfilled the water needs. Harvesting, which began in September and extended into October, required meticulous monitoring and precise decision-making at the time of harvest, resulting in the exceptional quality of the wines.

Characterized by attention to detail, the vinification process of Quinta Vale D. Maria Vinha da Francisca 2021 thus resulted in an excellent wine. The grapes are handpicked, carefully selected, and destemmed before being fermented in granite lagares for 7 to 10 days at controlled temperatures. After fermentation, the wine is transferred to new French oak barrels, where it undergoes malolactic fermentation and matures for 20 months before final selection and bottling.

This wine presents an intense color and fruity aromas of dark red fruits, such as black cherry and blackcurrant, along with floral and spicy notes, such as black pepper, which impart complexity and elegance to its structure.

The 2024 Portugal Wine Competition featured over 1,300 national references evaluated by 132 sector specialists, both national and international. The Grand Gold and Gold medals awarded in this competition ensure the presence of the wines at prominent international events, providing a unique opportunity for the international promotion of Portuguese producers.

For more information about Quinta Vale D. Maria Vinha da Francisca 2021 and other wines from Quinta Vale D. Maria, visit the official website at www.quintavaledmaria.pt.

Quinta Vale D. Maria Vinha da Francisca Tinto 2021 – 0.75L | RRP: €90