Douro Rosso 'Órbita' Quinta Do Monte Xisto 2020

The "Órbita" Douro Red produced by the Quinta Do Monte Xisto winery is a splendid interpretation of this historic and fascinating Portuguese region, famous for its great wines for centuries. The label represents a modern and innovative version compared to tradition. It is indeed a red wine that does not seek power and concentration but rather elegance, smoothness, and fragrant aromas. This result is the product of a winemaking process conducted lightly, with low extraction, and an ageing process with a very well-balanced use of wood.

The "Órbita" Douro Red from Quinta Do Monte Xisto was born in the Douro Superior region. The estate is located near Vila Nova de Foz Côa, in an area characterized by steep slopes consisting of schist rocks. The property has a total extension of 55 hectares, of which only 10 are dedicated to vineyards and the rest to orange groves and forests, ensuring rich environmental biodiversity. The grapes, including Touriga Nacional and other native red berry varieties, come from various plots located between 200 and 300 meters above sea level, with various exposures. The grape harvest is entirely manual, and fermentation occurs spontaneously, using indigenous yeasts in concrete tanks. The wine matures in concrete and large 600-litre barrels for 18 months at the cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia, near the coast, in conditions of optimal temperature and humidity.

The Douro Red "Órbita" from Quinta Do Monte Xisto perfectly interprets contemporary taste and has the merit of highlighting the extraordinary varietal characteristics of classic Portuguese autochthonous grape varieties and of a poor and stony terroir, very suitable for high-quality viticulture, based on low natural yields. Visually, it presents itself with a dark ruby red colour with slight violet reflections. Exuberant aromas of small red berries, cherry, currant, wild strawberries, hints of herbal notes, and mineral nuances of graphite dominate the olfactory profile. Medium-bodied, it has a light and subtle tannic texture, with good aromatic complexity and crisp fruit, anticipating a refreshing finish.