Tasting Notes – Crasto Red 2017

Wine:  Crasto Red 2017

Grape:  This wine is a blend of 35% Touriga Nacional, 30% Tinta Roriz (Portuguese name for Tempranillo), 25% Touriga Franca, and 10% Tinta Barroca.  All the grapes in this blend are grown in the Douro wine region of Portugal.  Touriga Nacional is the most revered wine grape variety to produce Port but is now being used in fine red blends.  Due to its high tannins, most Touriga Nacional is used in blends.  Tinta Roriz adds aroma, acidity, and aging potential.  Touriga Franca harmonizes a blend and aids in balancing the blend.  Tinta Barroca adds complexity and helps in aging.

Color:  Deep Ruby

Aromas:  Violets and wild dark fruit

Flavors:  Oak, chocolate, vanilla, plum, blueberries, blackberries, cherries

Body:  Medium

Alcohol:  14%

Acid:  Medium

Sweetness:  Dry

Tannins:  Light

Balance:  A nicely balanced red blend with soft tannins which makes it very easy to drink

Serving Tips:  61° to 65° F, red wine glass, decant for 15 minutes

Food Pairings:  Beef, game meats, and lamb

Aging:  can age for 10 years

Winery Notes:  The Quinto do Castro winery lies in the heart of Douro wine region of Portugal. The winery and vineyards are on the right bank of the Douro River, between Régua and Pinhão. The winery produces premium and super premium Douro and Porto wines from grapes coming from some of the oldest and most historic vines in the Douro.