At the same year that we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the very first vertical vineyard planted in the Douro, at Quinta dos Murças, we are releasing our most iconic wine, Quinta dos Murças VV47 2017. It is an exclusive, very limited production wine made only in exceptional years. It fully expresses the characteristics of the place and age of one very special vineyard, showing elegance, balance and complexity. In nearly two decades this is only the fourth time we have bottled Quinta dos Murças VV47.
It comes from a southeast facing vineyard with barren schist soils and an average slope of 42%. Vintage 2017 was extremely hot and dry. The long absence of rain and extremely high temperatures during spring accelerated fruit ripening. As was once traditional in the Douro, the vineyard is a mix planting of 14 of native varieties of the Douro region. This is a unique vineyard, the first to be vertically planted in the oldest demarcated wine region in the world. The steep slopes of the vineyard greatly hinder both the cultivation and the harvest but are more than compensated for by the unrivalled quality of the grapes. In 2017, the vineyard was still undergoing conversion to organic agriculture (certified since 2021), but at that point it was already subject to minimal intervention, returning the drumbeat to the vineyard, allowing the place to determine the nature of the wines.
The grapes were foot treaded in lagares. The must fermented spontaneously with indigenous yeasts and was pressed in a traditional vertical press, followed by 18 month’s ageing in used French oak barrels. Deep, intense colour, with violet hints, with ripe red fruits standing out, followed by balsamic notes and spices. Harmonious and elegant, showing fine, ripe tannins and a fresh and balanced acidity. Long and persistent, suggesting great longevity.
Over the years, Quinta dos Murças VV47 has demonstrated a remarkable consistency which has been recognized by the international press. Only 1,300 litres are available for this unique and exclusive vintage.