Clavis Aurea Reserva 2020, Touriga Nacional/ Touriga Franca, DoTejo DOC, Portugal

About Quinta do Casal Monteiro : Quinta do Casal Monteiro is located in one of the most prestigious growing regions in Portugal – the Tejo region. Established in 1979, Quinta do Casal Monteiro bottles limited production vintages exclusively from its 80 ha vineyard property. With and average age of 35 years, the vineyards are located in fertile alluvial sandy soil, rooting in an unusual combination and resulting in a low yield production of high quality wine. Moreover, the characteristic of the sub-Mediterranean temperate climate and its proximity to the river Tagus provide the wines with their own singular identity, revealed in both the lush aromas and the complex palate layered by a superb acidity – They are excellent food companions.

Winemaking : Made by winemaker Luis Santos. The grapes in this wine come from 30 year old vines with low yields, harvested together on a specific day (field blend) pinned down by the winemaker as the ideal timing for combining the different maturations of each grape variety. Alcoholic fermentation lasted seven days and the must was kept in extended maceration for one month – Cuvaison – until the end of the malolactic fermentation. Once the fermentation period was completed, the wine was aged in new French and American (80%/20%) 225 litres oak barrels for a 12 months period.

Description : Brilliant deep garnet colour in appearance, it presents aromatic hints of red ripe fruit, jelly, black plums and cocoa, all well integrated with a french oak undertone. On the palate is powerful and velvety with an intense and persistent finish.

ABV : 13.5%

Awards : Gold Medal – Sélections Mondales des Vins Canada