Portuguese wines have always been somewhat neglected on the European mainland. And that's a shame, because this southern European country has so much to offer. Its gap with giants like Spain, Italy, and France has always been considerable. However, when Portugal's membership in the European Union was ratified, this gap narrowed considerably. Necessary agricultural subsidies became available, and Portugal's impressive wineries were able to invest and innovate; an opportunity Quinta Nova seized with both hands. Quinta Nova now boasts a whopping 120 hectares, all situated along the meandering Douro River.
It's not just Quinta Nova's vineyards that are worthy of UNESCO recognition—it's the wines that are truly outstanding. This Grainha Reserva Red Quinta Nova, for example, is a magnificent blend of local grapes like Tinta Roriz, Touruga Franca, and Touriga Nacional, sourced from vines up to thirty years old. After a hand-harvest and oak aging of no less than 18 months, this Portuguese wine truly takes on a character of its own. Think intense dark fruit, soft vanilla, and distinct spices. But a salty note is also easily discernible beneath the surface. A remarkably high concentration of dark forest fruit makes Grainha Reserva Red Quinta Nova an award-winning wine.
