Quinta das Carvalhas Vinhas Velhas is produced from three century-old post-phylloxera vineyard plots with a north-facing exposure, featuring over twenty native grape varieties planted in a single plot.
These historic plots—Raposeira, Costa da Barca, and Cartola—represent the character of a special terroir, which is reflected in a wine of great complexity, depth, and power.
This wine shows enormous aromatic complexity, reflecting the intensity and depth of the old vines, combined with a fresh profile typical of north-facing vineyards. On the nose, it enchants with forest aromas, featuring notes of black fruit, wild herbs, spices, and wet earth, alongside subtle hints of vanilla, demonstrating a harmonious integration with the oak used during aging. It offers excellent volume on the palate, powerful and structured yet elegant, with the concentration and depth characteristic of low-production vineyards. Firm, round tannins, with flavours enhanced by balanced acidity, making the tasting experience long and persistent.
In the winery, the grapes undergo the ancient process of foot treading in traditional granite lagares, allowing for greater contact between the must and the skins, resulting in a gentle yet constant extraction. This process remains crucial in producing great red wines, resulting in a very complex yet refined aromatic profile and a strong structure with high-quality tannins. After alcoholic fermentation, the wine is aged in French oak barrels (20% new oak) for 12 months under controlled temperatures, allowing for the maximum expression of the personality of these century-old vines.
Plot: Cartola
Grape Variety: Blend of Grape Varieties
Rootstock: Rupestris du Lot
Total Area: 1.3 hectares
Year of Planting: 1932
System: Traditional Vineyard
Altitude: 200 meters
Exposure: North
Plot: Costa da Barca
Grape Variety: Blend of Grape Varieties
Rootstock: Rupestris du Lot
Total Area: 0.7 hectares
Year of Planting: 1932
System: Traditional Vineyard
Altitude: 200 meters
Exposure: North
Plot: Raposeira
Grape Variety: Blend of Grape Varieties
Rootstock: Rupestris du Lot
Total Area: 2.7 hectares
Year of Planting: 1932
System: Traditional Vineyard
Altitude: 200-300 meters
Exposure: North