Nicolau de Almeida, Quinta do Monte Xisto Tinto 2021

Nicolau de Almeida’s Quinta do Monte Xisto Tinto 2021 is a striking Douro red that captures both power and finesse from one of the region’s most characterful sites. Made from carefully selected parcels in Douro Superior, it reflects the family’s deep connection to the landscape and their long-standing commitment to wines that speak clearly of terroir.

Tasting Notes
Expect a deep, concentrated red with the kind of dark-fruited intensity you’d associate with Douro’s best hillside vineyards. On the nose, it should offer layered aromas of ripe black fruit, wild herbs, spice, and a distinct mineral edge from the ancient schist soils. On the palate, the blend of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa, and Sousão brings structure, freshness, and density in equal measure. The north- and south-facing parcels add complexity, balancing lifted acidity with ripe tannins and a long, savoury finish. This is a wine with the backbone to age beautifully over the coming years.

Production
Quinta do Monte Xisto comes from the Douro Superior, near Vila Nova de Foz Côa, where extremely low rainfall and the unique influence of the Vilariça fault create a patchwork of exposures and ripening conditions. The vineyard’s old schist and clay-schist subsoils store winter water and release it gradually through the dry summer, helping shape the wine’s depth and minerality. The grapes were hand-harvested in 20 kg crates, foot-trodden in lagares, fermented with native yeasts for six days, and then aged for 18 months in 600-litre and 2,000-litre oak casks in Vila Nova de Gaia.

Food & Serving
This is an excellent match for roasted lamb, grilled beef, game, or rich braised dishes, as well as aged Portuguese cheeses. Serve at around 16–18°C. Decanting for 1–2 hours is recommended, especially if opening it young, to let the wine fully open and show its aromatic complexity.

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