Quinta do Pessegueiro Grande Reserva 2019 – Douro DOC – 75cl

Quinta do Pessegueiro Grande Reserva 2019 is a premium Douro DOC red produced at Quinta do Pessegueiro, part of Domaines Roger Zannier, from selected parcels of old vines planted on the characteristic schist soils of the Douro. The 2019 blend consists of 40% Vinhas Velhas, 40% Touriga Nacional and 20% Touriga Franca, combining the depth and complexity of old-vine fruit with two of the Douro’s most important indigenous grape varieties. Harvested in September 2019, the grapes were transported to the winery in 22 kg boxes and held for 12 hours in cold storage. They were then moved by gravity to traditional lagares, where fermentation took place with traditional foot treading. Following fermentation, the wine matured for 12 months in 225-litre barrels and 600-litre casks of French and Austrian oak before being bottled in June 2021. The wine displays a dark ruby colour, with an aromatic profile of balsamic notes, forest, and star anise. The palate is elegant and delicate, showing smooth tannins followed by spice and black tea, leading into a particularly persistent finish. The 2019 vintage was relatively dry in the Douro, with lower-than-normal rainfall. Rainfall around harvest helped the final stages of ripening, and the producer reports highly aromatic musts with good acidity. A serious, age-worthy Douro Grande Reserva with excellent provenance and a particularly attractive presentation.