Symington Family Estates, Altano Red, Douro DOC, Portugal, 2018/2019
Shipping calculated at checkout
In stock
Overview of the Wine
Our family was amongst the pioneers of modern Douro wines. In the 1990s we began producing Douro DOC wines from the same vineyards and indigenous grape varieties that had always made great port. We released the first Altano red in 1999 and we haven't looked back. Today, the Altano range enjoys global distribution and the wines have received widespread recognition for their quality and distinctiveness.
The Altano reds are produced solely with grapes from our vineyards. The grapes for the Altano whites come from specific vineyards privately owned by members of our family and selected farmers with vineyards in higher altitude areas, many who have supplied us for decades.
Each year our winemakers are challenged to produce wines that best reflect our unparalleled collection of vineyards, selecting the most suitable grapes depending on the year’s specific conditions and characteristics. In a region of 21,400 farmers, our 26 Quintas are an exceptional guarantee of quality, allowing our viticulture and winemaking teams a level of control and choice that is unique in the region.
Although 2018 started very dry, with the soils parched by the previous year's rainfall deficit, the spring heralded abundant rain with the months between March and June, all recording above-average precipitation. Soil water reserves were amply replenished, an excellent position for the vines' growing and ripening cycles. The wet, cold spring and generally unsettled atmospheric conditions continued into the summer and diminished the crop size. Inevitably, the vine's growth cycle was delayed by a few weeks, but a hot and dry August put maturations back on track. In early September, climatic conditions favored balanced ripening of the berries with adequate levels of acidity that are reflected in the wine's balance. Yields were meager, but that selected the high quality that the wines reveal.
Grape / Blend
Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz and Tinta Barroca.
Origin
Douro, Portugal
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Deep, ruby-crimson color. Aromas of Mediterranean maquis vegetation with eucalyptus and pine needle notes as well as black plum and damson. Full and satisfying on the palate with ripe, fruits of the forest flavors, seasoned with peppery tannins. A good wine to serve with pasta and spicy food.
90 Points - Wine Enthusiast
A smoothly rich wine, produced from organically grown grapes, this is full, rich and bursting with black fruits. Its tannins are still young, giving the wine a dry core that will soften. Age for the medium term and drink from 2021.
Product Size: 750ml
Best Selling Wines
