2019 Quinta da Falorca Garrafeira Old Vines

The 2019 Quinta da Falorca Garrafeira Old Vines belongs to the absolute top of the Dão and is a wine that demonstrates why old vineyards still produce the greatest wines of Portugal. This prestigious Garrafeira is produced exclusively in exceptional years and comes from centuries-old vines with impressive genetic diversity. The combination of concentration, elegance, and aging potential makes this one of the most extraordinary red wines from the region.

The flagship of Quinta da Falorca

Quinta da Falorca is located in Silgueiros, one of the most highly regarded areas of the Dão. Over the years, the estate has developed into one of the region's benchmarks, with a strong focus on old vineyards, low yields, and traditional Portuguese grape varieties.

The Garrafeira Old Vines is the absolute flagship of the estate. This wine is produced in limited quantities only and represents the best selection from the oldest plots of Quinta da Falorca. The wine combines power and depth with a remarkable finesse typical of the great terroirs of the Dão.

Old vines and traditional field blend

The wine comes from very old vineyards where dozens of different grape varieties are planted together. This traditional Portuguese field blend provides extra complexity and depth. Touriga Nacional forms an important part of the plantings, complemented by various historical varieties that have been part of the vineyards for generations.

The granite-rich soils of the Dão provide freshness, tension, and refinement, while the age of the vines results in low yields and great aromatic concentration.

This combination produces wines that distinguish themselves by their balance, complexity, and excellent aging potential.

Volume 2019

The 2019 vintage produced grapes with an excellent balance between ripeness and freshness. The growing season ensured optimal phenolic ripening, preserving both concentration and elegance.

Compared to many modern, powerful red wines, Quinta da Falorca consciously opts for refinement and terroir expression. The wine aged extensively in oak, creating extra depth and structure without the fruit being overpowered.

Now, a few years after the harvest, the wine is beginning to show its full potential, while at the same time it can continue to develop for many more years.

Scent, taste and style

The 2019 Garrafeira Old Vines opens with intense aromas of blackcurrants, cassis, coffee beans, and ripe dark fruit. Additionally, nuances of cocoa, nutmeg, graphite, spices, and subtle woody notes are present.

On the palate, the wine immediately displays its impressive concentration. The structure is rich and layered, with a core of dark fruit supported by broad yet refined tannins. Despite its power, the wine remains remarkably balanced and elegant.

The old vines provide extra depth and complexity, while the granite soils add freshness and tension. This results in a wine that comes across as both powerful and refined.

The finish is long, intense, and slightly chocolatey, with a beautiful combination of fruit, spices, and mineral notes that linger for a long time.

Drinking window and food and wine pairings

The 2019 Garrafeira Old Vines is already particularly attractive, but possesses sufficient structure and concentration to continue developing for years to come. The expected drinking window runs from 2025 to approximately 2045.

Preferably serve the wine at 16 to 18°C and let it aerate in a decanter for one to two hours beforehand.

This wine pairs excellently with côte de boeuf, grilled beef, game dishes, venison, lamb, Iberian pork, stews, and aged hard cheeses.