2017 Quinta da Falorca Traditional Blend

The 2017 Quinta da Falorca Traditional Blend is a quintessential Dão red, crafted in small quantities from old-vine indigenous grapes and released only when the estate deems it ready to shine. Bottled in a limited run of just 7,000 individually numbered bottles, it offers extraordinary value for a wine of this pedigree and precision. This cuvée captures the soul of classic Dão: elegant structure, lifted aromatics, and a deep sense of place, all without tipping into high-alcohol excess.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2017 Quinta da Falorca Traditional Blend shows a deep ruby core with garnet highlights, reflecting both concentration and the beginnings of graceful evolution. The nose is vibrant and complex, offering aromas of wild red and black berries, violets, rockrose, and dried herbs, layered with subtle notes of tobacco leaf, cedar, and a hint of graphite from bottle age and seasoned French oak. On the palate, this is refined and medium-bodied with remarkable freshness, showcasing Dão’s hallmark balance. Juicy red cherry, blackcurrant, and wild raspberry are supported by fine, ripe tannins and a lively acidity that keeps everything focused and elegant. Earthy undertones, spice, and a light floral lift carry through to a long, savory finish, with Touriga Nacional providing structure and depth while Rufete, Jaen, Alfrocheiro, and Tinta Roriz contribute perfume, softness, and nuance. Thanks to the naturally moderate alcohol (around 13–13.5%) and the quality of the tannins, this wine has excellent aging potential; it is already drinking beautifully but should continue to develop additional complexity over the next 8–10 years.

Production
This Traditional Blend is sourced from Quinta da Falorca’s Dão vineyards, where the average vine age is around 40 years, with some plots exceeding 70 years. The old vines—planted on classic Dão granitic soils at altitude—provide low yields, concentrated fruit, and a distinctive mineral backbone. The vineyards include over 30 different clones of Touriga Nacional, carefully preserved by grafting cuttings from existing old vines onto new rootstocks to maintain this precious genetic heritage. The blend is composed of 33% Touriga Nacional, 28% Rufete, 21% Jaen, 12% Alfrocheiro, and 6% Tinta Roriz. Harvested by hand to ensure optimal selection in the vineyard, the grapes are vinified in a traditional style that respects the region’s character. Around half of the wine is aged for 12 months in seasoned French oak, which polishes the tannins and adds subtle complexity without overwhelming the fruit, before the final blend is held back in bottle for several years and only released once it reaches its optimal drinking window.

Food & Serving
The 2017 Quinta da Falorca Traditional Blend is a versatile food wine that excels with hearty, yet refined dishes. Think roasted lamb with herbs, grilled pork tenderloin, duck breast, or game birds, as well as traditional Portuguese fare such as roast kid, chouriço, and slow-cooked stews. It also pairs beautifully with mushroom risotto, truffle dishes, and aged hard cheeses. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) to highlight its aromatics and freshness. A short decant of 45–60 minutes is recommended to allow the bouquet to fully open and the tannins to soften, particularly if opened on the younger side of its drinking window.

Producer
Quinta da Falorca is one of Dão’s quietly brilliant estates, often regarded by insiders as a benchmark for what the region can achieve with its native varieties. Under the guidance of the quality-driven Carlos Figueiredo, the winery has built a reputation for authentic, terroir-focused wines that stand apart from more international, homogenized styles. Falorca’s commitment to old vines, genetic diversity—especially their remarkable collection of Touriga Nacional clones—and traditional winemaking has made them a reference point not only in Dão but in Portugal as a whole. Their limited-production, numbered bottlings consistently rank among the country’s finest reds, celebrated for their elegance, regional character, and ability to age with real grace.

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