quinta do infantado
Quinta do Infantado: A Quintessential Expression of Douro Terroir
When discussing the Douro Valley's illustrious wine culture, it would be remiss not to mention Quinta do Infantado. With a storied history dating back to the 19th century, Quinta do Infantado has earned a distinguished reputation for its world-class wines, produced from vineyards steeped in tradition and a winemaking philosophy rooted in respect for the land and the natural process.
Ancestral Roots and Vineyards
The history of Quinta do Infantado dates back to 1816, when the estate was established by the Portuguese Royal family. The name 'Infantado' refers to 'Infante,' a title given to the children of the King, marking the estate's historical ties to nobility.
Nestled in the heart of the Douro Valley, the estate boasts terraced vineyards that cling to the steep hillsides. These vineyards, situated in the sub-region of Gontelho, benefit from an excellent sun exposure and the schist-rich soils, lending the wines a distinct minerality. Quinta do Infantado’s vineyards are home to several indigenous Portuguese grape varieties, including Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, and Touriga Nacional, among others.
Uncompromising Winemaking
At Quinta do Infantado, the winemaking process adheres to a philosophy of minimal intervention, honoring the natural evolution of the wine. Traditional foot-treading in granite lagares is still employed, allowing gentle extraction of tannins and color. The wines are then aged, depending on the style, in a combination of oak barrels and stainless steel tanks, balancing the influence of oak with the preservation of the wine's fruit character.
Quinta do Infantado stands out for its commitment to producing estate-bottled Ports, a pioneering move in a region where most wines were traditionally sold in bulk to be aged and bottled by merchants in Vila Nova de Gaia.
Diverse Portfolio of Wines
Quinta do Infantado offers a diverse portfolio of wines that cater to a broad range of palates. From the structured and flavorful reds to the well-balanced and aromatic whites, each wine speaks to the unique terroir of its Douro origins.
The winery is particularly renowned for its port wines. Whether it's a Ruby, full of youthful fruit flavors, a Tawny, showcasing the sophisticated nuances developed through extended barrel aging, or a Vintage, with its powerful concentration and aging potential, Quinta do Infantado's Ports captivate with their depth, complexity, and authenticity.
Quinta do Infantado and Food Pairing
Quinta do Infantado's wines offer delightful pairing options. The full-bodied reds, with their firm tannins and rich dark fruit flavors, perfectly complement hearty meat dishes, while the crisp and fragrant whites are ideal companions for a variety of seafood or poultry dishes.
The port wines provide excellent pairing opportunities as well. Ruby ports are splendid with chocolate-based desserts, and Tawny ports are sublime with nutty cheeses or caramel desserts. Quinta do Infantado's Vintage ports, with their complexity and richness, can be enjoyed on their own as a meditative experience, or paired with robust cheeses and decadent chocolate desserts.
Quinta do Infantado: A Legacy in Progress
From its historical roots to its commitment to tradition and quality, Quinta do Infantado stands as a testament to the exceptional wines of the Douro Valley. As a family-run estate, it continues to champion the distinct flavors of the region, crafting wines and Ports that speak to the diversity and richness of the Douro's terroir. Quinta do Infantado is not just a winery; it is a custodian of the Douro's winemaking heritage, carrying the legacy forward with each vintage.
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ÁLVARO ROSEIRA
LUIS SOARES DUARTE
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1978 / 1981 / 1982 / 1983 / 1985 / 1989 / 1991 / 1992 / 1995 / 1997 / 1999 / 2000 / 2001 / 2003 / 2004 / 2007 / 2009 / 2011 / 2013 / 2015 / 2016 / 2017 / 2020
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1977 / 2004 / 2005 / 2007 / 2010 / 2011 / 2016 / 2017 / 2018 / 2020
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Quinta do Infantado
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nicolau de almeida
