VV47 originates from a historic vineyard, the first vertical vineyard planted in the Douro. Planted more than 70 years ago, this vineyard faces southwest and has a gradient of approximately 40%, making it unique in the region, as is thewine resulting from it: “Quinta dos Murças VV47 is the highest expression of the Murças identity. All the concentration, freshness and balance in VV47 represent what we strive to accomplish in Murças wines”, states winemaker José Luís Moreira da Silva.

The 14 grape varieties of this wine are planted in a field blend – a winemaking practise that mixes grape varieties – namely the native varieties Tinta Roriz, Tinta Amarela, Tinta Barroca, Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Sousão. The harvest is manual, and the grapes are foot trodden, followed by old basket pressing. The wine aged in used French oak barrels for approximately 12 months.

In the same ceremony, João Roquette, CEO of Esporão, was named ‘2018 Personality of the Year’ by Revista de Vinhos. This award recognises the work developed by Esporão for more than a decade. Expansion of its business through the acquisition of Quinta dos Murças (Douro) and SOVINA craft beers, internationalisation and its sustainability initiatives, are some of the factors noted by the magazine for this distinction.