Grafite Tinto 2020

The name Grafite is a tribute to the artistic signature of our winemakers, who are dedicated to producing these wines in the most natural way possible. Grafite Tinto is our elegant interpretation of a classic Douro red. It presents aromas of wild flowers and dark berries, with soft tannins and a touch of spice in the finish.

Grape Varieties: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Tinta Roriz.

Tasting Notes: Black cherry core with a solid violet rim. On the nose, aromas of black plums and ripe cherries. Smooth and velvety on the palate with full flavours of dry spices and dark fruit together with fine grained tannins and a well integrated vein of acidity.

Winemaking: The areas of vineyard or “talhões” chosen depend on which grape varieties are most favoured by the climatic conditions of the year. The grapes are hand-picked into small boxes of approx. 20 kilos and brought to the winery where they undergo a careful selection process before being crushed. The vinification takes place in small stainless steel fermentation tanks. The grapes are fully destemmed and crushed. After 4 days of cold maceration the fermentation process follows under temperature-controlled conditions. The juice is gently pumped over the skins during fermentation which is long and even ensuring good aromatic and polyphenolic extraction.

Ageing: About 30% of this wine is aged for 12 months in both new and used French oak casks; the remaining part is kept in stainless steel vats to maintain its fruity character combined with the oak complexity from the wines in casks. It is ready to drink now.

Serving Temperature: Serve at room temperature (16º-18ºC).

Winemakers: John Graham and Ricardo Pinto Nunes.