Who makes it?

Quinta do Crasto Superior is a succulent Douro red blend. The Quinta has apparently been making wine since 1615. The current family has been in custody of the Quinta for over 100 years.  Crasto mean ‘Roman fort’ in Latin (castrum). The d’Almeida family was focused on producing high quality port. Leonor Roquette is the fourth generation of that family. She and her husband have been renovating the vineyards and they now produce table wines as well as fine Port.

How do they make it?

The Quinta do Crasto Superior is a blend of Douro’s favourite red grapes. Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz and Souzão. The average age of the vines for this wine is around 20 years old. Some of the wines are planted on the famous ‘patamares’. These are terraces cut into the steep slopes and have only one or two rows of vines each. 

The wine spends around 12 months in French oak.

What does it taste like?

This is a spicy red. The fruit is more in the red berry realm with some plum and chocolate. It is fuller bodied with shapely tannins extending the length. The spicy finish sweeps down the palate with some fresh acid where it ends on a savoury fruity note. It will do well with some mid term cellaring too. 

What to drink it with?

This is a wine to be enjoyed with a Sunday roast. Beef, preferably. And with all the trimmings. Or a hearty stew, or pasta with rich ragu.

Cheese

Try this red with some mature hard cheeses such as Manchego, aged Comte or mature cheddar. Stilton might work for you as well. 

Quickie review « A shapely red fruited blend from the Douro that serves as a reminder that the region is not just about fine Port. »

Country of Origin: Douro DOC, Portugal
Tasting Date: February 2023
Price:  UK £21 | €15  | USD $25 ++
Drink: now – 7+ years 
Needs food: no
Source: purchase

If you like bold red wines, why not check out:
Henschke Henry’s Seven
Are you Game? Shiraz
Remy Ferbras Ventoux

Visit QuintadoCrasto for more.