Único Tinto

The grapes come from a single mixed planting more than 90 years old at around 450 metres in Vale da Teja; the region is described as having granite and schist soils. Following hand harvesting, partial destemming and gentle maceration, the wine was fermented under temperature control and underwent malolactic fermentation in tank. It was matured for 22 months in French barriques, described by one source as predominantly new and by another as 30% new. The wine shows concentrated red and dark fruit, balsamic and spicy notes, mineral depth, fresh acidity, dry, precise tannins and a long, powerful body. The vintage is produced only in particularly suitable years; production was around 3,500 bottles.