At a glance

Producer

Quinta das Carvalhas

Region

Douro, Portugal

Grape variety

Field blend of traditional Douro grapes (Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, and others)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Smooth

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

€30-€50 ($32-$55 USD)

Tasting profile

Ripe dark fruit (blackberry, plum), notes of spice, fig, tobacco, and earthiness, with developed leather and forest floor nuances

Evolution: Previously more vibrant and tannic, now evolved to more complex, secondary and tertiary aromatics with softened palate

At peak: At or just past peak; further aging brings more tertiary, less fruit intensity

Structure

Acidity

Medium

Tannins

Medium, now fully resolved and rounded

Alcohol

13.5%-14.5% ABV (typical for vintage and style)

Aging potential

Long-lived but at late maturity; best consumed by 2025

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2018 to 2030

Optimal window

2016 to 2033

Current status

Approaching end of peak maturity

Current condition

Fully mature with softened tannins and integrated tertiary notes; consume soon for best quality

The 2011 vintage in Douro was outstanding, lending concentration and structure, allowing this wine to age gracefully. However, at 13 years old, the wine is now fully resolved, with fruit yielding to mature, savory notes. Best enjoyed now for optimum balance.

Food pairing

Roast lamb, aged hard cheeses, grilled beef, mushroom risotto, Portuguese cured meats

Serving

Decant

Not required

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 6/10

Integrated pest management, minimal intervention; terrace vineyard management for erosion control; selective hand harvesting; reduction of chemical inputs; energy use primarily conventional; some water conservation efforts; traditional cork closures; glass bottles (weight typical for region)

Quinta das Carvalhas is committed to regional Douro sustainable viticulture but lacks formal organic/biodynamic certification. The estate manages old vines and terraces with erosion mitigation, and minimizes chemical inputs relative to local norms. However, packaging is conventional, and there are no comprehensive carbon reduction or renewable energy initiatives in place. Environmental impact is better than average for the region but not exemplary at a global level.