Description
Quinta de la Rosa and the Bergqvist family have been making port from their spectacular steep terraced vineyards on the banks of the Douro (Portugal ‘s premium winegrowing region) outside of Pinhao since the early 19th century. In the early 90 ‘s (since the global decline of port consumption) they were one of the first new wave producers to champion the port varieties and make seriously impressive table wines. With Jorge Moreira. (2010 Winemaker of the Year by the Revista dos Vinhos the Decanter magazine of Portugal ) taking the reins as winemaker in 2002 the quality of their wines has been lifted to another level!
The vineyards begin on the banks of the Douro and rise dramatically 450 metres to the mountain top. passing through 11 different microclimates that ensure vibrant natural acidites. Vines flourish in the schist rock and granite soils. sinking their roots deep down for water and concentrating all their energies into producing grapes rich in flavour. minerality. perfume and high in tannin.
Grapes from old estate grown vines (white port varieties “ 35% Viosinho. 35% Rabigato with the rest being mixed varieties such as Gouveio and Códega do Larinho among others). Subtle. well integrated oak (50% barrell matured) adds an extra level of complexity. 2010 was a good year for whites in the Douro producing wines with good natural acidity. freshness and complexity. Love this wine for its sheer drinkability. freshness and texture. Such a bargain!
Jancis Robinson listed in Top 50 Wines of Portugal. “..Portuguese whites really do deserve attention. not least from those with an eye for a bargain …. Lovely spiced and stony aroma with a touch of reductive smokiness at this young stage (Oct 2011). Tight. zesty. less rich in the mouth than I expected. more tension. but has lots of energy and verve. ” 17 Points
eRobertParker.com 90 points “…With a rather unctuous texture early on and in its youth. this wine seems both mouth coating and utterly delicious. It also seems like the best one I ™ve seen from La Rosa. With air. it became fresher and crisper. developing a hint of grapefruit and a spicy note. ” (Dec 2011).
90 points Wine Anorak “Some nutty notes as well as minerals. citrus and grapefruit. Very lively and bright with good acidity. Subtle oak influence “.
RRP $37
