Discover the exquisite Quinta Dos Aciprestes Reserva Douro Red, a premium wine from Portugal's iconic Douro region, known for its bold, balanced elegance. Crafted from native Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca grape varieties, this Reserve captivates with an intense garnet hue and complex aromas of ripe blackberries, plums, and subtle vanilla notes. Featuring robust yet smooth tannins, refreshing acidity, and a harmonious structure, it delivers a palate lined with lush dark fruit flavors and a long, velvety finish. Aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, this wine is perfect for pairing with hearty meat dishes, game, or aged cheeses. Serve at 16–18°C to experience the full depth of its flavors and character.
Process & Profile
Quinta dos Aciprestes Reserva hails from Portugal's renowned Douro Valley, a region known for its premium wines and centuries-old winemaking traditions. This wine is crafted from a harmonious blend of native Portuguese grape varieties, primarily Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca. After fermentation at controlled temperatures, 30% of the wine ages in new French oak barrels while the remainder matures in used French oak for 12 months, carefully balancing oak influence with varietal character. The result is a rich, complex red wine with remarkable intensity and structure.
Tasting Notes
Quinta dos Aciprestes Reserva dazzles with a deep garnet hue and an aromatic bouquet of ripe black fruits such as blackberry and plum, enhanced by subtle hints of vanilla and tobacco from its barrel aging. On the palate, it offers an explosion of bold flavors, featuring fruity tannins, minerality, and a well-integrated acidity. The velvety texture and robust tannic structure lead to a harmonious and lingering finish, making this wine a true delight for connoisseurs.
What Makes It Special
This Douro red stands out due to its exquisite craftsmanship, rooted in the region's unique terroir. The Douro Valley's combination of steep slopes, schist soils, and high summer temperatures imbues the grapes with intense flavors and thick skins, resulting in inky, flavorful wines. Quinta dos Aciprestes leverages these conditions to produce a Reserva with remarkable depth, minerality, and elegance. The meticulous aging process in both new and used French oak adds layers of complexity, elevating this wine to a reserve-level masterpiece.
How to Enjoy
To fully appreciate Quinta dos Aciprestes Reserva, serve it at a temperature of 16–18°C (60–64°F) to highlight its nuanced flavors. This wine pairs beautifully with rich and hearty dishes, including game, roasted red meats, and hard, aged cheeses. For a classic Portuguese pairing, try it alongside roasted lamb or wild boar. While this wine is ready to enjoy now, its robust tannins and acidity allow it to age gracefully for several years, making it a worthy addition to any wine collection.
Indulge in Quinta dos Aciprestes Reserva for a taste of Portugal's Douro Valley at its finest—a wine that celebrates both tradition and innovation in every sip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What grape varieties are used in Quinta Dos Aciprestes Reserva Douro Red?
This wine is made from Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca, two of the finest grape varieties native to Portugal and known for their contribution to the richness and complexity of Douro wines.
What are the tasting notes for this wine?
Quinta Dos Aciprestes Reserva features a clean, deep ruby color. Its aroma combines violet notes with ripe plum and blackberries, harmoniously balanced with vanilla. On the palate, it offers robust fruit flavors, excellent structure, and a long, persistent finish.
How should this wine be served?
It is recommended to serve the wine at a temperature of 18ºC. Proper storage involves keeping the bottle on its side in a cool place (16–18ºC) away from direct light.
Which foods pair well with Quinta Dos Aciprestes Reserva?
This wine complements strong-flavored meat dishes, game, and robust cheeses. It also pairs beautifully with traditional Portuguese cuisine and hearty meals.
How is this wine aged?
Quinta Dos Aciprestes Reserva is aged for 12 months in a combination of French and American oak barrels, allowing it to develop its harmonious balance of fruit and oak characteristics.
What makes Douro wines special?
Douro wines, like this one, are made in Portugal's Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The region's unique climate, schist soils, and steep vineyard terraces contribute to wines with exceptional depth, structure, and aging potential. The area is also renowned for its indigenous grape varieties, which result in distinct flavors and complexity.
What distinguishes Quinta Dos Aciprestes Reserva from other Douro Reds?
This wine stands out for its balance of ripe fruit flavors, floral and spicy aromas, and well-integrated oak. Its structured tannins, combined with a velvety texture, make it a versatile and elegant choice for various occasions.
How long can this wine be aged?
With its excellent structure and persistent finish, Quinta Dos Aciprestes Reserva has the potential for aging, during which its complexity and nuances will continue to evolve. Many Douro wines reach their peak within 10–15 years.
Is Quinta Dos Aciprestes Reserva environmentally sustainable?
Although specific certifications for this wine are not detailed, many Douro producers, including those in this region, emphasize sustainable and carefully managed viticulture.