Carlos Lucas Vinhos, Cota 700, DOC Dão, Portugal, 2020

Producer Profile

Carlos Lucas is the man behind the wine, first and foremost a farmer, but now a very talented winemaker with over 25 years of experience across Portugal. He started the estate 15 years ago on an ancient property once owned by the local priest.

A stream encircles this quaint vineyard providing protection from the vast neighbouring pine, eucalyptus and oak forest. It surrounds the poor granite soils, perfect for viticulture, and has given it the name "Quinta do Ribeiro Santo" which means "Holy River Estate".

Viticulture

The vineyard is planted following the traditional plantation methods, in poor granite soils, with large schist outcrops, where you can have a magnificent perspective of the highness of the Mountain Serra da Estrela. The entire vineyard is planted following an integrated crop management system. The grapes were harvested by hand, into small boxes of 18kg, according to a careful selection of the best grapes in the vineyard. The goal is to produce wines that tell a story, that show their dedication and passion for portuguese grape varieties, never forgetting the importance of tradition and ancient techniques.

Winemaking

The grapes were completely destemmed to small stainless steel tanks, where they macerated for 24h at a low temperature, before starting the fermentation with selected yeast. The fermentation lasted for 12 days with gentle pumping for good extraction of colour and aromas. After the fermentation, the wine was kept in stainless steel vats until release.

Oak Ageing

No oak ageing

Tasting Note

Red, almost violet colour, with the perfumes of black mulberry and blackberries and a light nuance of pine needles. The wine is very fresh, young with a sweet but elegant palate.

Food Matching

Traditional Portuguese cuisine such as duck rice, oven-baked cod and cured sausages. grilled chicken and pasta.