Description
“Quinta do Monte Xisto is a wine that combines the experience and knowledge of two generations of the well-known Nicolau de Almeida family.
Produced under the supervision of João Nicolau de Almeida and his sons, Quinta do Monte Xisto praises the culture of Douro and the specific nature of the terroir, expressed by the Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa, and Sousão grape varieties.
João Nicolau de Almeida was a pioneer in implementing vertical vineyards in Douro, and like his father Fernando (creator of the legendary Barca Velha wine), a great promoter and contributor in the study of grape varieties from the region, and thus they chose this type of plantation in Quinta do Monte Xisto, with multiple exposures and altitudes, allowing the blend of warmer and cooler areas. The selection of grape varieties was based on knowledge acquired over many years, on diversity, respecting the culture of Douro, and of the specific terroir in question, Douro Superior.
The grapes were foot-trodden in stone “lagares” and aged for 18 months in 600 liter puncheons of French and Austrian oak. The 10 hectares of vines planted follow an organic production with biodynamic agricultural principles, leading to a limited total production of 3500 bottles.
With only two releases (2011 and 2012), the Quinta de Monte Xisto is already considered one of the best Douro red wines. The 2011 was considered by “Revista de Vinhos”, the main wine publication in Portugal, as one of their best wines of 2013 with a staggering score of 18.5/20 points. The 2012, just released and offered exclusively to the Macau Market by Claret Wines has also just been awarded 18/20.”
