Originating from selected parcels of centennary vines at Quinta das Carvalhas, the Carvalhas Vinhas Velhas is the very best that we can make at Real Companhia Velha. The result, is a superb Douro red, which not only expresses the singularity of this estate and its north facing vineyards, but also reflects on Douro’s history, due to the vast diversity of varieties present in the parcels of old vines. The Carvalhas extracts from these vines the power and concentration and from its sun exposure the freshness and balance. A wine that will certainly offer great character after ageing few decades in bottle.
The harvest for this unique wine involves a very rigorous and complex selection of grapes handpicked from the oldest vines of Quinta das Carvalhas, which are reaching the respectful age of 100 years. The winemaker and the viticulture manager lead a small group of experienced people that only pick the grapes/varietals that taste and look matured at its best.
Once harvested, the grapes are carried to the winery in small boxes of 20 kgs to be foot-treaded and fermented in the traditional granite lagares which due to its wide, yet low, in height format, allows permanent contact of the skins with the juice, resulting in a soft natural extraction offering Carvalhas Vinhas Velhas very fine aromas with great complexity and a huge structure exposed by the high quality of tannins. The ageing process takes place in our cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia. In an isolated, dark room with temperatures constantly matching 16ºC, the Carvalhas Vinhas Velhas matures in french oak barriques (being 50% new) for a period of 18 months, until the final blend.
The wine shows an impressive and lush aromatic character in which notes of red and black berries combined with suggestions of herbal and spice integrate in perfect harmony with the subtle nuances of vanilla provided from its ageing in oak. On the palate, shows excellent structure and power, yet at the same time elegant with a profoundness and concentration typical of the old vines. Its tannins are firm and round, and its flavours highlighted by a balanced acidity resulting in a long, and lingering finish.
Wild Boar
Rib-Eye
Phaesent
Brisket
