Quinta do Tedo is located in the Alto Douro at the point where the Tedo River meets the Douro. Owners Vincent and Kay Bouchard – he an eighth-generation vigneron from Burgundy and barrel consultant; she a winemaker - have brought their skills to this established region and, with local oenologist Jorges Alves, produce first-class modern ports and, more recently, red table wines.
At Quinta do Tedo, a Single Quinta estate whose 34 hectares of Class A vineyards were awarded full organic status in 2006, the wine most definitely begins in the vineyard. The health and the quality of the vines is of paramount importance to Vincent. He believes that otherwise it is impossible to make wines that reflect the characteristics, aromas and flavours of a particular plot of vines. The steep terraced vineyards are planted with 18 indigenous grape varieties, led by Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Cao, Touriga Nacional and Touriga Francesa. The vineyards are each split into four further plots; these are vinified separately - including traditional treading by foot in granite lagares - and then blended after careful selection.
Not surprisingly, it is the character of the fruit in the ports that is of primary importance. Only the highest quality spirits are used to fortify the wines as lower grade spirits can muddy the flavours of the finished product. This technique creates a cleaner, less spirity, fruit-driven style with a rounded elegance – the hallmark of Quinta do Tedo ports – that remains fresh for many years. |
