Princesa, Douro DOC – 2018
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Introduction
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The Princesa is the perfect introduction to the wines of the Quinta da Corte. The minerality of the terroir brings great balance to the warmth of the fruit.
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Vineyard Profile
- Vine Age: 60 years old on average
- Soil: Terraced vineyards with Schist soil
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Vintage Report
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The winter started out extremely dry, but from March onwards the water levels were more than restored thanks to heavy rain, particularly in March and April. The following months, June and July, were fairly variable, with periods of intense rainfall and spells of dry weather and high temperatures. August and September were extremely hot. Harvesting at the Quinta da Côrte began on 17 September 2018.
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Vinification
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In temperature-controlled stainless steel vats. Lengthy maceration.
- Aging: 5 months in 500 liter French barrels
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 25% Touriga Franca, 25% Tinta Roriz, 25% Tinta Barroca, 25% a mix of native old-vine varietals
- Alcohol: 14.9%
- TA: 5.6 g/L
- Optimum Drinking: 10+ years
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Tasting Notes
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A nose of red berries (blackberry, blackcurrant) and spice aromas. On the palate, the tannins are firm yet smooth. A long and elegant finish.
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Images
Reviews
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Quinta da Côrte Princesa, Douro DOC — 2018 – The Wine Advocate – 90 Points
A bigger and more powerful wine than the regular 2016 (although that had two years more in the bottle), this is fairly intense and less evolved. It maintains many of the other themes, including reasonable mid-palate finesse (although the 2016 wins there), good structure and perhaps a high-toned hint, although not really an issue here. (I'm wondering if perhaps there is something in the grape blend producing that.) Overall, this is very well crafted with a refined feel.
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Quinta da Côrte Princesa, Douro DOC — 2018 – Wine Enthusiast – 92 Points
This young, dense and powerful wine is impressive for its structure of tannins and for the concentrated black plum and berry fruits.”