Quevedo
Quevedo: Crafting the Legacy of Douro Wines
In the heart of the Douro Valley, the Quevedo family has been crafting exquisite Port wines for more than five generations. Although the eponymous company, Quevedo, was only established in 1993, it quickly made a name for itself as a passionate ambassador for the region's rich viticultural heritage.
Founding Roots: Oscar & Beatriz Quevedo
Oscar and Beatriz Quevedo, the founders of Quevedo, started their family in S. João Pesqueira, a town nestled in the heart of the Douro Valley. Both Oscar and Beatriz come from families with long histories of grape growing and Port wine production.
The story began with Abel Gouveia Costa, who planted the first Quevedo vines in 1889 in Valongo dos Azeites, S. João da Pesqueira. The business prospered under the stewardship of Abel's son, Raul Gouveia Costa, and was subsequently taken over by João Batista Quevedo, Oscar's father.
Beatriz's family, meanwhile, had roots in the Carrazeda district, on the northern bank of the Douro river, at their main estate, Quinta da Alegria. After many years of making Port wines in his father's facilities, Oscar Sr. built a new winery, now the headquarters of Quevedo. He also expanded the vineyards to their current 100 hectares and added 25 hectares of organic olive groves.
In 1993, the Quevedo brand was launched, marking the beginning of a new era where the family started bottling Port under their own label. This step was made possible only after Portugal joined the EU in 1986.
The 5th Generation Takes Charge
Claudia and Oscar Quevedo (Jr.), who grew up amidst vines and barrels, followed their parents' footsteps into the family business. Claudia, a graduate in Enology, has been crafting Port wines at Quevedo since 1998. Oscar Jr., an Economics graduate, joined the family business in 2009 and is currently responsible for Quevedo's sales in over 40 countries. His wife, Nadia Adria, is in charge of the company's Marketing and Tourism department. The couple has three children: Marc, Alba, and Miguel.
At Quevedo, making wine is about having fun, making friends, and helping friends make more friends. They celebrate a concept called "Friendology" which emphasizes enjoying good company without pretension.
Celebrating the Best of Douro
The Quevedo vineyards spread over 100 hectares across five properties in the Douro valley, from the sub-regions of Cima Corgo. The vines are complemented by 25 hectares of organic olive groves.
One of these properties is Quevedo’s oldest, situated next to the chapel of Lady of the Rosary (Senhora do Rosário), named after its location in the upper part of the Cima-Corgo region. Planted by João Quevedo in 1960, the vineyard covers 9.8 hectares and cultivates grape varieties like Tinta Barroca, Touriga Franca, Tinta Amarela, and others. Due to the higher altitude, the grapes possess higher acidity levels, giving rise to elegant and fresh wines, forming the base for aged Tawnies.
The Jewel in Quevedo's Crown: 50 Year Old White
Among Quevedo's wines, the 50 Year Old White Tawny Port stands as a testament to their winemaking prowess. The wine offers an intoxicating blend of spices, dates, nutty undertones, zesty citrus, and brown sugar aromas. On the palate, it unravels with a symphony of nuts, caramel, and crème brûlée, leading to a long and zesty finish. Crafted with an undisclosed blend of grape varieties, this wine is aged for an average of 50 years and is a true embodiment of Quevedo's mastery and heritage.
As Quevedo continues to explore new ways of enjoying wines, each day presents a fresh opportunity for the family to write another page in their history. With their deep respect for the land, passion for viticulture, and unwavering commitment to sustainability, the Quevedo family is poised to carry their legacy forward for future generations.
Characteristics of Quinta da Sra. do Rosário and Quinta Vale D'Agodinho
One of Quevedo’s prized assets, Quinta da Sra. do Rosário paints a vivid portrait of Douro terroir. The vineyard, which was planted by João Quevedo in 1960, comprises 9.8 hectares of land and cultivates a variety of grapes: 35% Tinta Barroca, 25% Touriga Franca, 15% Tinta Amarela, and 25% of other varieties.
Owing to its elevated location, the vineyard experiences moderate temperatures, ensuring the grapes maintain a higher acidity level. This results in the production of fresh, elegant wines that serve as the base for Quevedo's aged Tawnies.
The uniqueness of the Quevedo Port lies in the delicate balance between the wine's sweetness and its inherent acidity. This equilibrium allows for the flavors of dates, nuts, caramel, grilled hazelnuts, and creme brulee to shine through, culminating in a truly indulgent drinking experience.
Technical Details
Quevedo's 50 Year Old White Tawny Port is a showcase of meticulous winemaking. The wine is fermented in granite vats, after which it is aged in a combination of chestnut wood barrels of varying sizes. This contributes to the wine's unique character and complexity.
Technical specifications for the wine are as follows:
Alcohol: 20.00%
Total Acidity: 5.97 g/l
pH: 3.63
Residual Sugar: 100 g/l
Winemaker Claudia Quevedo oversees the entire winemaking process, ensuring the resulting wine is a true reflection of the terroir.
Vineyard Practices
Sustainability is central to Quevedo's viticulture practices. The family firmly believes that the best wines are made in the vineyard, a philosophy that led them to plant an organic olive grove in 2005, with organic vineyards following suit in 2013. Every year, Quevedo progressively increases its organic farming area and continually updates its practices to minimize environmental impact.
The vineyards are managed under the Guyot training system and the vertical planting system (Vinha ao Alto). These methods, coupled with the slate-dominated soil, make for an ideal environment for the vines to thrive.
In addition to traditional methods, Quevedo employs more sophisticated equipment to reduce the use of artificial elements in their vineyards. This innovative approach, paired with respect for ancestral knowledge, helps Quevedo craft distinct wines that reflect the rich tapestry of the Douro valley.
With their dedication to preserving the land and passion for producing exquisite wines, Quevedo ensures that each bottle is not just a beverage but a story of the family's enduring love for the Douro Valley.
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CLÁUDIA QUEVEDO
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2005 / 2008 / 2010 / 2011 / 2013 / 2014 / 2015 / 2016 / 2017 / 2018 / 2019 / 2020
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1974 / 1976 / 1992 / 1994 / 1995 / 1996 / 1997 / 2000 / 2002 / 2003 / 2004 / 2007 / 2008
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QUINTA SENHORA DO ROSÁRIO
QUINTA VALE D’AGODINHO
QUINTA DA TROVISCA
QUINTA DA ALEGRIA
QUINTA DA VALEIRA
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Quevedo
