2012 Conceito Tinto

Mixture of traditional Douro grape varieties (more than 20 grape varieties) including Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Amarela, Rufete. Schist soils. 80-year-old vines from Quinta do Cabido, an inhospitable 'hook' formed by the Teja River, in the parish of Numão. There, an unusual mass of schist causes the water to change course before it flows down towards the Douro River, and the river bank in that place forms a perfect natural amphitheatre facing south. Grapes picked by hand. Partial destemming, followed by crushing and pumping to stainless steel tank. Fermentation with controlled temperature, gentle pumping-overs, final maceration for one week. Malolactic fermentation in tank.  20 months in French oak barrels (50% new). Deep dark black cherry colour. There’s sweet spice from the oak but it cannot dominate those rocky mineral/graphite qualities of the terroir. Some cedary cassis in all the dark fruit qualities. The texture is much thicker and chewier than the Contraste and there’s a little more fulness in the mouth. Fresh, the alcohol well in balance, but the oak has added a definite sweetness. Perhaps more mainstream but not necessarily more elegant. (JH)