QUINTA DE COTTAS
Quinta de Cottas: Preserving the Richness of Douro Valley
An Introduction to Quinta de Cottas
Resting near Pinhão, Quinta de Cottas is a splendid 10-hectare estate, crafted to perfection for the production of Douro and Port wines. In 2006, when a captivating vineyard plot that once belonged to a prominent farm presented itself, owners Isabel Koch and Pedro Carmo were instantly drawn towards it. Their profound love for wine and the Douro Valley compelled them to embark on this winemaking venture, giving rise to their wine project.
The driving philosophy at Quinta de Cottas is to encapsulate the essence of the Douro Valley’s superior vineyards by producing high-quality wines with distinct personalities. Their wines, intentionally crafted to pair well with food and offer accessible pricing, blend the vineyards' unique characteristics with the winery’s personality and winemaking priorities. Even though the wines vary each vintage, a common thread of similarity binds them together, reflecting the essence of Quinta de Cottas.
Environmental Stewardship: Viticulture and Biodiversity
Quinta de Cottas champions a viticultural approach centered on environmental responsibility and minimal disturbance to the soils, preserving Douro’s rich biodiversity. Their management practices prioritize sustainable farming with minimal use of agrichemicals, herbicides, insecticides, or pesticides, treating the land with the respect it deserves.
Sustainability at Quinta de Cottas is not just about preserving the natural balance and harmony of the vineyards; it's also about ensuring a better environment for future generations. Their commitment to sustainable practices extends beyond the vineyards to their packaging. They utilize recycled materials and have significantly reduced the weight of their bottles, thereby reducing CO2 emissions and energy consumption during transportation.
Vineyards: A Tribute to Genetic Heritage
In a bid to preserve the region's genetic heritage, Quinta de Cottas populates its 10-hectare property solely with the most traditional grape varieties.
The Old Vines, with a remarkable lifespan of around 70 years, follow the ground lines and are planted in continuous rows. They form a field blend of over 16 varieties, with the predominant ones being Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Amarela, and Tinta Carvalha.
In contrast, the newer vineyards have been planted in clearly defined areas, moving away from the tradition of mixing different varieties in the same plot. This strategic shift facilitates the homogenization of treatment times, maturation, and harvesting, thereby improving process efficiency. The dominant varieties in these vineyards are Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, and Tinto Cão for reds, and Viosinho, Rabigato, Gouveio, and Arinto for whites.
The combination of old and new vineyards provides a unique profile and character to the grapes. Moreover, grape production is intentionally kept at a low yield to emphasize quality and concentrated flavors.
Through their commitment to environmental stewardship and preservation of genetic heritage, Quinta de Cottas offers not just wines, but a testament to the richness and diversity of the Douro Valley.
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Isabel Koch and Pedro Carmo
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2012/ 2013 / 2016
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No Colheita’s are bottled
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QUINTA DE COTTAS
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Soul wines
