2002 / 04 Quinta do Carmo (Domaines Barons de Rothschild) RESERVA da QUINTA Alentejano Portugal
Name:
Quinta do Carmo (Domaines Barons de Rothschild) RESERVA da QUINTA Alentejano Portugal - 2002 / 04
Where it's from:
>Portugal
>Alentejo
Price per case:
£166.14
Bottle size:
75 cl
Bottles per case:
6
Style:
Powerful Reds
Grapes:
Tempranillo / Cabernet Sauvignon / Syrah (Shiraz)
Description:
Owner of Chateau Lafite Rothschild for five generations, the Rothschild family has been based in this Bordeaux vineyard since 1868. High values and the respect of traditional methods make them passionate about harmony and excellence. Their wines bear witness to that passion year after year and their skills have patiently enriched the wines through the generations, with world-renowned success.
Over the years, Domain Baron de Rothschild has expanded its offerings through the acquisition of several french Chateau's as well as ventures in Argentina. However, in 1992, Julio Bastos, owner of Quinta do Carmo called on Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) in order to renovate the property. The primary goal was to combine the traditional Alentejo winemaking techniques with the skill of the DBR teams and also unite the expression of traditional portuguese grape varieties with other new and noble varieties thus enhancing complexity and elegance.
The plan has led to new plantations and the renovation of the vineyards, including systematic tying up of the vines and a limitation of yields. Major investments were also made in the Herdade das Carvalhas chais, including a new cellar, the purchase of stainless steel vats with temperature monitoring and pneumatic presses.
Now integrated into Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite), Quinta do Carmo features a 150 hectare vineyard that is gradually reaching maturity. This renewal has done much to enhance the wines, and the first vintages under the new management (2000/2001) reveals clearly the excellent combination of the 'Terroir' and the 'savoir faire!'
This wine is a blend of mainly Tempranillo, or Aragonez as it is known locally, it makes up 40% - 60% of this wine. The balance is a mix of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah between 20% and 40% as well as the local varieties Alicante, Periquita and Trincadeira that make up 20 to 30%.
This wine spends 12 months in 100% new barrels and is a cuvee produced in the finest tradition only issued from excellent vintages, and in very limited quantities. The Domaines Barons de Rothschild winemaking team aims to produce a wine of exceptional finesse that expresses the richness of the soil.
