A very pleasing Portuguese red blend, we check out the latest vintage of the Esporao Quinta dos Murcas Minas.
A blend of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Cao and Tinta Francisca from the Quinta dos Murcas Minas vineyards in northern Portugal between the Baixo and Cima-Corgo subregions on the right bank of the Douro River. The wine was aged in concrete vats and used French oak casks for 9 months and has just 0.6 g/L of residual sugar.
Sample submitted for review. This wine has an SRP of $24 but can be found for as low as $15. Ready to buy? Check your local retailers. It is imported by Aidil Wine & Liquors.
Quinta dos Murcas Est. 1714
DOC Douro region. Cima-Corgo sub-region. Right bank of Douro river.Vineyards planted in schistous soils, between 110m and 300m altitude. South facing. Hand-picked grapes.
Vinification after grape selection, fermentation with indigenous yeasts, in granite lagares with foot treading. Old basket press. 9 months in concrete vats and used French oak barrels. 46,000 litres bottled.
13.5% Alcohol
The 2018 Esporao Quinta dos Murcas Minas begins with quite an attractive, multi-faceted aroma of black cherry, licorice and balsamic plus some ripe red fruit and vanilla.
The wine tastes smooth and fresh with fine but firm tannins. In the mouth the wine has similar flavors to the nose with lots of ripe, fleshy red fruit plus some baking spice and even a touch of citrus zest. This vintage doesn't have quite the depth of previous vintages, but it is still very well put together.
It ends dry, grippy and long. This is savory stuff.
2018 Esporao Quinta dos Murcas Minas
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