From Quinta dos Roques comes this wonderful red wine under the brand of Quinta do Correio. Named after the old postal station in the foothill vineyards of the Serra da Estrella mountains, this red wine develops its well-rounded, rich fruit flavors from the Touriga Nacional grape.
In the northern center of Portugal, the Dao DOC in the Bieras Wine Region is one of the country's oldest and most famous wine regions, dating back to Roman times. Grapes are grown in granite soils. Many vineyards are planted on south-facing slopes to take full advantage of the sun. The high plateau of the Dao enjoys hot, dry summers and very cold winters with good rainfall. The mountains shelter the vineyards, creating a unique micro-climate. Other than a few large estates like Roques, 90% of the vineyards are three acres or less, separated by small villages and pine forests.
Quinta dos Roques led a revolution by producing the first group of seriously regarded Portuguese varietals. They have set the standard for all the wineries in the Dao. As a result, Roques was named Portugal's Producer of the Year for its 1996 varietals. The 1996 Touriga Nacional from Roques was acclaimed one of the ten best wines of the 20th century by The Quarterly Review of Wines.
About 40% of Quinta dos Roques' vineyards are planted in Touriga. Touriga is Portugal's best-known varietal. The small grapes produce very low yields, so the wine is ofen used as an important contributor for blends. It provides body and structure to the wine. It's the backbone of Port, as well as it's body and soul. Fortunately, it's being used more frequently on it's own-asserting it's intense flavors as worthy of it's own glass. Even so, you won't often find Touriga. We're glad to have found this unique and lovely wine.
December 2009 Vintners Series Newsletter (.pdf)
