Varietals

4 Castas 2016

2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010

Red

Wine Concept

An annual challenge for the winemakers to find four grape varieties from that harvest which, combined, show a complex and well balanced wine with distinctive character and flavour.

Agriculture

Spring had lower temperatures and higher humidity than in previous years – ideal climatic conditions for fungal diseases in the vines, implying increased care to avoid mildew attacks. The cooler temperatures at this time of year provided a longer period of vegetative growth and, despite the heat felt since July, the beginning of the harvest took place about 10 days later than usual. The hot weather continued throughout the harvest, fruit condition was excellent. Despite the heat, sugar levels were normal and acidities a little lower than normal.

SOIL TYPE
Clay loam soil with schistous stone

AVERAGE VINES’ AGE
15 years old

Grape Varieties

Touriga Nacional, Syrah, Petit Verdot, Touriga Franca

Vinification / Maturation

Fermentation with temperature control (22º-25ºC) in marble lagares with foot treading, cement and stainless steel tanks.

Aged for 6 months in cement tanks and french oak barrels, followed by 6 months in bottle before market release.

More Information

Wine Makers

David Baverstock and Sandra Alves

Colour

Clear, deep ruby.

Aroma

Touriga Nacional provides floral notes combined with the black berries of Touriga Franca. Complex and elegant, jammy and slightly spicy, with hints of black pepper.

Palate

Touriga Franca lends texture, while Syrah offers firmness and structure complemented by the long, intense aftertaste of Petit Verdot.

Sizes

750 ml

Bottling

April 2017

Alcohol/Volume

14.5 %

Total Acidity

6.4 g/l

pH

3.6

Reducing Sugar / Baumé

1.9 g/l