Quinta do Crasto Reserva Vinhas Velhas 2019
Quinta do Crasto · Douro, Portugal
At a glance
- Producer
- Quinta do Crasto
- Region
- Douro, Portugal
- Grape variety
- Blend (primarily old-vine Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, and Tinto Cão)
- Wine type
- Red
- Body
- Full-bodied and Bold
- Sweetness
- Dry
- Typical price
- $50-$70
Tasting profile
Dark berry fruits, black cherry, plum with floral notes and spicy oak; firm tannins and vibrant acidity; hints of minerals and earth
Evolution: Fruit will gain complexity and integrate with secondary flavors of leather, tobacco, and dried herbs over time
At peak: Balanced rich fruit, refined tannins, complex tertiary aromas of forest floor and spice, smooth texture
Structure
- Acidity
- High acidity lending freshness and aging potential
- Tannins
- Firm, chewy tannins typical of old-vine Douro reds
- Alcohol
- Approximately 14.5%
- Aging potential
- Excellent aging potential of 15-20+ years due to structure and vintage quality
Drinking window
- Peak drinking
- 2027 to 2044
- Optimal window
- 2024 to 2047
- Current status
- Approaching early drinking window
- Current condition
- Youthful with strong tannins and fresh acidity, still evolving
2019 was an excellent vintage for Douro with ripe, concentrated fruit and balanced acidity. The old vine roots contribute depth and structure enabling long bottle aging. This will soften and integrate beautifully after 5-7 years, reaching a peak drinking window up to 15+ years depending on cellaring.
Food pairing
Ideal with rich red meat dishes like roast lamb or beef, game, hearty stews, and mature hard cheeses.
Serving
- Serving temperature
- 16-18°C / 61-64°F
- Decant
- Yes (1-2 hours) — To soften firm tannins and allow aromatic complexity to open up
Sustainability
Sustainability score: 8/10
Quinta do Crasto implements cover cropping, reduced chemical inputs, efficient water management, solar energy usage at the estate, and recycling of materials
Quinta do Crasto follows rigorous sustainable viticultural practices typical for high-quality Douro estates. They minimize pesticides, optimize water use, and invest in renewable energy on-site. While vintage Port and table wines traditionally use heavier glass, this producer uses moderately light bottles. Overall, the wine scores highly for a traditional, well-managed estate balancing quality and environmental stewardship.