Tinta Francisca is a grape variety that is commonly found in the old vineyards of the Douro. After thorough research, we undertook a project to revive its cultivation to produce a high-quality wine from this noble variety. Characterized by low yields, Tinta Francisca has a long growing cycle with late ripening, and its small bunches resemble the shape of Pinot Noir. It has a medium to high vegetative vigor and stands out in the landscape due to the bright, lustrous green colour of its leaves.
What attracted us to this variety was the opportunity to create a wine with a style different from the usual, one that is aromatically very appealing, with a medium structure, an elegant profile, but great intensity. Through this very old variety, we discovered a new expression of the Douro.
An extremely original wine with a beautiful garnet color and a very refined nose, offering intense aromas of forest fruits, ripe blackberry, and subtle vegetal impressions that generate complexity and finesse. On the palate, it is intense and broad in flavor, with tannins that are present yet fresh and vibrant, showing elegance, refinement, and a long finish.
The grapes are hand-harvested and transported to the winery in 20 kg crates. After a careful manual sorting, the bunches are destemmed, and the grapes are lightly crushed before being transferred to the fermentation tank. Alcoholic fermentation takes place in stainless steel vats at 24-26ºC. The wine is aged in used French oak barrels for 12 months.
Plot: 21A - Phase 1
Grape Variety: Tinta Francisca
Rootstock: 1103P
Total Area: 0.8 hectares
Year of Planting: 2002
System: One-line terraces
Altitude: 220m
Exposure: North
Plot: 20B - Vale dos Pombos
Grape Variety: Tinta Francisca
Rootstock: 1103P
Total Area: 0.9 hectares
Year of Planting: 2001
System: Vertical vineyard (Vinha ao alto)
Altitude: 300m
Exposure: West
