2017-C Quinta Dos Murcas Margem, DOC Douro, Portugal (750ml)
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A Red Cellar Trio Wine Club Selection
One of three estates owned and operated by Esporão, Quinta dos Murças traces its history back to 1714. The estate is nestled on the right bank of the Douro River, between the towns of Regua and Pinhao, and stretches 3.2 km along the riverfront. Quinta dos Murças possesses 155 hectares, of which 48 are under vine and planted to indigenous grape varieties. Characterized by eight distinct terroirs, the estate is also distinguished by the remarkable vertical topography of its slopes. In fact, Quinta dos Murças pioneered the practice of vertical vineyards in the Douro Valley; and as of 2021, the entire estate has been certified organic, a reflection of Esporão’s commitment to organic and sustainable agriculture.
Under the leadership of Winemaker Jose Luis Moreira da Silva, Quinta dos Murças produces several award-winning wines. The Margem bottling is a 50/50 field blend of Touriga Franca and Touriga Nacional from a plot located on the margin or margem (in Portuguese) of the Douro River that was planted in 1980, and is characterized by its particularly intense fruit.
The grapes were harvested by hand, destemmed, crushed and fermented with indigenous yeasts in temperature-controlled granite lagares, with foot treading. The wine was pressed in an old-style basket press, and was aged in used 500-liter French oak casks for 9 months.
Deep plum with a touch of garnet. Intense aromas of ripe blackberries and cassis. The palate is ripe and concentrated, bursting with flavors of fresh black and red cherries, huckleberries and figs. The voluptuous mouthfeel is tempered with vibrant acidity and well-integrated, slightly grippy tannins.
Cellaring Recommendation: 7 – 10 years