QUINTA DOS POÇOS
Quinta dos Poços: A Historical Vineyard with Modern Excellence
The Wellspring of History
Quinta dos Poços, or "of the Wells," owes its name to the myriad water springs that erupt from its grounds during periods of intense rainfall. This narrative of wells is further strengthened by its location near the Point of Puddles, marked as point 130 by the Baron of Forrester on his 1848 map, "O Douro Portuguez e Paiz Adjacente."
Set within the globally recognized World Heritage confines of the Demarcated Region of Douro, in the Lower Corgo region, this vineyard is nestled in the village of Valdigem under the broader commune of Lamego. Dating back centuries, its primary structure is a charming rural manor from the 18th century. This historical setting once provided a haven for the French troops under the General of Brigade Loison, famously known as "Maneta" or "the one-handed," during the Napoleonic invasion of 1808. The estate has been long associated with the Guimarães family, and now rests in the hands of Prof. Doctor José Manuel da Costa Mesquita Guimarães.
The Quinta's Fertile Lands
Spread over 61.78 acres, Quinta dos Poços boasts of the region's signature slaty soil. Out of this, approximately 52 acres are meticulously mechanised with terraced vines, all standing in disciplined vertical lines.
The Quinta has chosen a specific palette of grape varieties to complement its soil:
Red Varieties: Donzelinho tinto, Rufete, Souzão, Tinta barroca, Tinta francisca, Tinta roriz, Tinto cão, Touriga franca, and Touriga nacional.
White Varieties: Arinto, Códega do Larinho, Gouveio, Moscatel de Setúbal, Rabigato, and Viosinho.
Each of these varieties has been thoughtfully placed in specific areas within the Quinta, ensuring an optimal blend in oenological terms.
Commitment to the Craft
In the words of José Mesquita Guimarães, the family's devotion to wine-making is a blend of tradition, simplicity, duty, and a burning passion to excel. Over the past two decades, the vineyard has seen exponential growth, modernisation, and the rise of a wine cellar—all in pursuit of producing unparalleled wines.
Vinification: Merging Tradition with Modern Techniques
At Quinta dos Poços, the emphasis lies in nurturing the vineyard to produce exceptional grapes. This involves optimizing photosynthesis, minimal chemical usage, and ensuring the grapes mature perfectly. Once harvested, the grapes undergo a meticulous vinification process. Traditional foot treading in granite wine-presses is employed alongside modern stainless steel vats. This balance between traditional and modern techniques ensures the extraction of the best phenolic components. After fermenting, the wines are aged in high-quality French oak barrels before being bottled and cellared for further maturation.
Signature Wines
QUINTA DOS POÇOS PORTO L.B.V. 2015: With a deep ruby red hue, it boasts intense aromas of black fruits intermingled with subtle spices. The palate is treated to spicy black fruit flavors, complemented by mature, elegant tannins.
QUINTA DOS POÇOS PORTO VINTAGE 2017: Dressed in a deep violet, its strong nose exudes aromas of ripe black fruits. The taste is concentrated with soft yet ripe tannins, culminating in a persistent finish balanced with excellent acidity.
Notably, the Quinta dos Poços Porto Vintage 2017 was awarded a Silver Medal at the 27th edition of the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles in 2020.
Honors and Accolades
The excellence of Quinta dos Poços has been acknowledged on multiple occasions, with their wines winning accolades including:
QUINTA DOS POÇOS COLHEITA 2012: Rated 89/100 by the Tasted Journal in 2014.
QUINTA DOS POÇOS COLHEITA 2008: This vintage earned three Silver Medals in 2011 from the Wine Masters Challenge/XIII World Wine Contest, the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, and the AWC Vienna International Wine Challenge.
Quinta dos Poços stands as a testament to the balance of preserving historical charm while adapting to modern wine-making innovations. It is a blend of tradition, nature, and the pursuit of excellence.
-
José Mesquita Guimarães
-
2017
-
-
No Portwine Colheita’s have been bottled so far
-
Quinta dos POÇOS
-
-
Family owned
