Prats & Symington Chryseia
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Chryseia has been one of the pioneers of the now widely-recognized resurgence of non-fortified Douro DOC wines. However, this wine, whose name means “golden” in ancient Greek – as does the name of the river in Portuguese – has remained true to its own style.
- Chryseia symbolizes the union of a noble Portuguese tradition and an equally rich Bordeaux tradition in the creation of a new and modern style of wine.
- Chryseia is made with the finest grapes from Prats & Symington’s own Douro Valley vineyards, Quinta de Roriz and Quinta da Perdiz.
- As with all previous Chryseia wines, Quinta da Vila Velha, owned by James and Rupert Symington and which neighbors Quinta de Roriz, also contributed for the blend.
- With North facing vineyards, Roriz forms a natural amphitheater, falling from the hilltops at 1475 FT to the Douro River. The vineyard occupies 108 acres and is situated between 410 and 820 FT.
- The position of the Quinta along the river and its altitude are recognized as being ideal for the production of the Douro’s very best wines and is fully representative of the best of the classic river Quintas.
- The classic schistous soil of the Upper Douro predominates, but the soil composition and structure are particular to this property. The Quinta also has tin and traces of gold in the rocky outcrops on the higher part of the estate.
Varietal Composition: 60% Touriga Nacional, 40% Touriga Franca
Elaboration: Traditional vinification in stainless steel tanks. The wine then ages for 15 months in 400 litre French oak barrels.
Tasting Notes: A rich and powerful red with astonishing roundness of tannins. On the nose the fruit is upfront with notes of plum, blackcurrant and a touch of mocha and dark chocolate. The wood is perfectly integrated. The silky and velvety tannins are followed by a very fresh and long aftertaste.
PRESS
2015 – 94 Wine Advocate
2016 – 92 Wine & Spirits | 95 Wine Enthusiast | 95 Wine Spectator
2017 – 91 Wine & Spirits | 95 Wine Spectator | 95 Wine Advocate
2018 – 93 Wine Spectator
2019 – 95+ Wine Advocate | 96 Wine Spectator
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
In 1999, The Symington family formed a partnership with the Prats family of Bordeaux to make top Douro wines.
The first Prats & Symington wine was Chryseia 2000 which received widespread national and international acclaim. Since then Chryseia and its second wine, Post Scriptum, have consistently appeared amongst the most highly rated Douro wines.
Chryseia was the first Portuguese non-fortified wine in the Wine Spectator’s annual Top 100 Wines and has now appeared three times in this influential list. In 2014 Chryseia 2011 was ranked at number three in the Top 100, the highest ever placing of a Douro wine. Prats & Symington also make Prazo de Roriz, a red wine produced from younger vines and, in exceptional years, a Quinta de Roriz Vintage Port.
Prats & Symington wines are made at one of the Douro’s greatest estates, the beautiful Quinta de Roriz. This historic vineyard dates from 1565 and has long been famous for the quality of its wines. The 42-hectare Roriz vineyard is complemented by the 23-ha Quinta da Perdiz in the neighboring Rio Torto valley. Quinta da Vila Velha owned by James and Rupert Symington, directly adjoins Roriz and some of its best grapes are also used to make Chryseia and Post Scriptum.