True to its experimentalist spirit, São Luiz Winemaker´s Collection decided to go further. As such, he created 3 totally different wines, but with the particularity of coming from a single minority grape variety in the Douro, which stands out for its rarity and which we are keen to preserve. From the Rufete variety, a trio never seen before appears, which will surprise you in a limited edition of 1,100 boxes with the three wines.
Grape Varieties: 100% Rufete
Soil: Schist
Vineyard: Grapes from Quinta de São Luiz, Cima Corgo sub-region
Altitude: 200 to 350 meters
Rufete Reserva Red 2021: The Rufete Reserva Red was harvested manually in the last week of August 2021 in the early hours of the day. It was then transported in small boxes, arriving at the cellar in a perfect state of health and maturation. The grapes waited in a refrigerated chamber until the start of winemaking. Vinification proceeded with partial destemming and light crushing. Alcoholic fermentation took place in stainless steel vats for 12 days, at temperatures between 22 and 24°C, followed by skin maceration for 5 days. Malolactic fermentation and a 12-month aging process were carried out in chestnut and national oak barrels and the rest in amphora. This Red Reserve is a light and fresh wine, with a garnet color and fine texture, with a well-defined aroma of forest fruits harmonized with fine spices, enhanced by aging in chestnut tree casks. Serve at a temperature between 16 and 18°C. Ideal with red meat, cheese and fatty fish.
Rufete Reserva White 2022: The Rufete Reserva White was harvested by hand in the last week of August 2022 at dawn. It was then transported in small boxes, arriving at the cellar in a perfect state of health and maturation. The grapes wait in a cold room until the start of winemaking. In order to avoid color extraction, winemaking proceeded with gentle pressing of whole bunches previously selected on a mat of choice. Fermented in stainless steel at a controlled temperature between 10-14°C. After the alcoholic fermentation, part of it was aged in chestnut and Portuguese oak casks, the rest in amphora. After 6 months the final batch was made. This White Reserve has a complex, fresh and floral aroma. In the mouth it is elegant, creamy, with a touch of lychees and a lively acidity on the finish. Serve at a temperature between 12 and 14°C. Ideal to accompany sea dishes, such as seafood and fish, white meats and cheeses.
Rufete Reserva Rosé 2022: The Rufete Reserva Rosé was harvested by hand in the last week of August 2022 at dawn. It was then transported in small boxes, arriving at the cellar in a perfect state of health and maturation. The grapes wait in a cold room until the start of winemaking. In order to avoid color extraction, winemaking proceeded with gentle pressing of whole bunches previously selected on a mat of choice. Fermented in stainless steel at a controlled temperature between 10-14°C. After the alcoholic fermentation, part of it was aged in chestnut and Portuguese oak casks, the rest in amphora. After 6 months the final batch was made. This Pale Salmon Reserve Rosé is composed of sweet floral aromas, reminiscent of rose petals and cherries. In the mouth it is very elegant, creamy, fresh, long and complex. Serve at a temperature between 12 and 14°C. Ideal to accompany seafood dishes and fatty fish, white meats and cheeses.
Winemaker: Ricardo Macedo
