Quinta da Romaneira Tinto Cao “Liceiras”
WHY WE LOVE IT
- This wine can be characterized by natural acidity and relatively low pH and high total acidity. It has a freshness rarely seen in the Douro.
- The grapes are from the oldest portion of Tinto Cao in Romaneira, fully exposed to the southeast.
- Very pleasant to drink now, the wine should hold up well in the bottle for several years.
Varietal Composition: 100% Red Cao
Elaboration: The wine is fermented in stainless steel vats for 7 days where malolactic fermentation was then carried out. This entire batch of Tinto Cao was aged in second and third year French oak barrels for 10 months.
Tasting Notes: This fine but rich Tinto Cao offers lush red fruit, earthy aromas and some subtle floral notes. It maintains an invigorating and bright acidity.
PRESS
2020 – 92 James Suckling
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
The 1,100 acre spread of Quinta da Romaneira is widely considered one of the Douro Valley’s most breathtaking estates. The winery began producing port in 1872, but was not legally allowed to bottle under its own name until 1986 when DO changes gave single quintas the authority to do so.
Christian Seely purchased Romaneira in 2004 with plans to put the winery shoulder to shoulder with the Douro’s top names in terms of reputation and quality. Seely and winemaker Antonio Agrellos understand what such ambition means – They are the dynamic duo behind the much celebrated rebirth of another great property, Quinta do Noval (which sits literally next door), which they’ve operated for the past twenty years.
The entire Romaneira vineyard estate is classified “A” (the highest mark that can be obtained in the Douro) and the house focuses almost completely on unfortified dry wines and vintage style port.