Quinta da Devesa carries a secular history. In 1844, the well-known Baron Forrester, included this property in what was the first map of the Douro Demarcated Region. But the most important history of this property began last century, in 1941, when the Fortunato family acquired the Quinta, thus beginning a new phase of greater investment in wine production, with a special focus on Port Wines. Later there are also references to DOC Douro wines, which has strengthened its presence in the national and international wine market. Quinta da Devesa remains today an independent family company, oriented to the future, with presence in several international markets. The investment made in recent years has brought greater recognition by wine lovers and specialized critics. The result of all this is also visible through the huge palate of national and international awards achieved to date.

Winemaking

Quinta da Devesa was from the beginning included in the first map of the Douro Demarcated Region, created by Baron Forrester in 1844. Since 1941, when it was acquired by the Fortunato family, is dedicated to the production of Port and Douro wines. Located on the border of the Baixo Corgo and Cima Corgo, 10 kms from Peso da Régua, it sits on a promontory that overlooks the inflow of the Douro and Corgo Rivers and from where one can enjoy a majestic panorama that encompasses the valleys of those rivers and the region’s mountains. Its 34 hectares, planted with the grape varieties recommended for the region, extend from an elevation of 60m to 500m, partly facing south, receiving an excellent exposure to the sun, and partly facing north, from where it receives the coolest prevailing winds. This diversity of sun and wind exposure causes varying levels of maturation and development that allow the grapes to be harvested under optimal conditions.The grapes from the Quinta are harvested manually in small containers and taken to the winery to be crushed by foot. Vinified in the traditional way, in granite presses, it produces a wine with excellent extract. Aged in old wooden barrels until bottling in the second year after harvest. The vineyards of Quinta da Devesa are managed using sustainable agriculture practices, in accordance with the guidelines of Integrated Production of Sustainable Agriculture, certified by an independent organization, recognized by the Portuguese State.

Tasting notes

Quinta da Devesa Vintage is an exceptional wine, produced through the careful selection of grapes from the best plots, exclusively from the property. Vinified in the traditional way, in granite mills, it ages in oak casks before being bottled, between the second and third year. Sweet and light at first. A sweeping aroma of ripe raspberries and strawberries, a soft alcohol aroma, fresh wild flowers, lots of texture, with plum, grenadine, tar and, some time later, spicy notes of blackcurrant. The mid-palate balances all these flavours. Very firm tannins that anticipate an ageing in bottle of excellent quality. It is a distinct Vintage, which allows one to anticipate an ageing in bottle of superior quality. This wine is liable to create deposit, so it should be decanted before serving.