Ramos Pinto Quinta de Ervamoira 10 Years beautifully demonstrates why aged tawny port is so appealing: this wine combines rounded aging notes with still recognizable fruit and remarkable balance. The blend has an average age of 10 years and is closely linked to Quinta de Ervamoira, a provenance known within Ramos Pinto for concentration, structure, and precision. This results in a tawny with depth, suppleness, and a very refined, classic profile.
The origin of this tawny lies in one of the most distinctive parts of the Douro.
- Location / Origin: Quinta de Ervamoira is located in the Douro Superior, on the left bank of the Douro where the Côa river flows into it. This is a warm and dry part of the Douro where grapes can build up significant ripeness and concentration.
- Altitude: The estate covers 223 ha and extends from 110 to 340 m in altitude. This spread gives Ramos Pinto a lot of room to incorporate different plots and ripening levels into the blend.
- Soil: The vineyards are planted on schist, the classic subsoil of great Douro wines. This soil retains heat and contributes to the structure and intensity of the fruit.
- Climate & influences: Douro Superior experiences very hot, dry summers and cold winters, with little rainfall throughout the year. This results in small, concentrated grapes with a lot of flavor.
- Vineyard: At Quinta de Ervamoira, the vines are planted vertically instead of on the usual horizontal terraces. This wider spacing between the vines yields less fruit per plant and more concentration in the final fruit.
The structure of this tawny is entirely about the art of blending and aging.
- Vinification: This tawny is composed of high-quality wines from Quinta de Ervamoira, blending different vintages. The younger components keep the wine firm and fresh, while the older parts add extra layers and that typical aged tawny complexity.
- Aging / Oak aging: It is precisely this longer aging that provides more rounding, a softer texture, and more depth in aroma and flavor. This creates a beautiful balance between fruit, oak influence, and the warm style characteristic of tawny.
- Alcohol percentage: At 19.5% alcohol, this port has the warmth and strength befitting a serious 10-year-old tawny, while remaining beautifully balanced.
The blend is made up of classic Douro varietals that work exceptionally well in aged tawny port.
- Touriga Nacional – Douro: Touriga Nacional gives the blend extra depth and aromatic intensity.
- Touriga Francesa – Douro: Touriga Francesa brings suppleness and helps the wine flow elegantly across the palate.
- Tinto Cão – Douro: Tinto Cão supports the structure and contributes to the fresh linearity in the blend.
- Tinta Barroca – Douro: Tinta Barroca adds extra roundness and ripe fruit to the whole.
- 93/100, Wine & Spirits (2011): An impressive score that strongly confirms the quality of this tawny.
- 92/100, Decanter (2018): Awarded by Richard Mayson, a strong international evaluation for an aged tawny with clear class.
- 92/100, Wine & Spirits (2015, 2016): A high and consistent rating that beautifully underscores the quality of this wine.
- 92/100, Wine Spectator (2012): Reviewed by Kim Marcus, a convincing score for a port with beautiful balance and depth.
- 91/100, Wine Spectator (2010, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018): Reviewed by Kim Marcus and James Molesworth, demonstrating that this tawny is consistently highly regarded over multiple years.
- 4.1 stars, Vivino: An excellent rating that shows this tawny is also widely appreciated by enthusiasts.
