Producer Overview:
Family-owned and currently run by the charming and enthusiastic Luis Lourenço, Quinta dos Roques is one of three properties owned by the family, all planted with grape varieties indigenous to the Dao region: Touriga Nacional and Jaen are the main red varieties, alongside Encruzado and Malvasia Fina for the whites. Quinta dos Roques itself lies about 10km south of Mangualde and the name comes from the family name, Roques de Oliveira. They began growing grapes at the end of the 1970s and took the decision to buck the trend towards planting international grape varieties. They also started bottling their own wine rather than selling their grapes to the local cooperative.
Quinta dos Roques has grown dramatically over the past two decades. They create both varietals and blends with great ease, showing their expertise and combining old with modern techniques which is evident in their top-end wines. The perfect balance of fruit and acidity is renowned for wines from the Dão region. A lot of work goes into producing these wines and they are able to spend a lifetime being bottled. The investment in their varietal wines has always been one of the hallmarks of the house, with particular attention for the Touriga Nacional which has become legendary in Quinta dos Roques.
Encruzado
Made from 100% Encruzado grapes. Light straw perfectly clear; with an elegant bouquet of fruits and a slight touch of resin. On the palate, the first impression is of freshness but immediately you can sense the great structure and complexity of the wine. The finish is very long and persistent.
Red
Made from 40% Touriga Nacional, 40% Tinta Roriz, and 20% Touriga Franca. Ruby coloured with violet hues, this wine shows a complex aroma with notes of black fruits, cherry and chocolate with balsamic hints. The palate is dense with live but delicate tannins. A lively acidity adding freshness and longevity.
Touriga Nacional
Dark colour, brilliant, the bouquet, characteristic of this variety, has hints of violets, pine needles and red fruits. Oak and chocolate notes given by the oak are present and well balanced with the fruit. On the palate it is very generous and concentrated with the astringency and firm tannins characteristic of its youth, foretelling a remarkable long ageing.
Quinta do Correio White
Made from a blend of Malvasia Fina (50%), Cerceal (20%), Bical (15%) and Encruzado (15%). Light straw, perfectly clear, with an intense bouquet containing strong floral and citric notes. On the palate it is very fresh and smooth.
Quinta do Correio Red
Made from a blend of Jaen (40%), Touriga Nacional (25%), Alfrocheiro (20%), Tinta Roriz (15%). A perfectly clear dark ruby color, brilliant, with an intense fruit bouquet, with wild berries and pine needle notes. On the palate it is very supple with soft tannins and a nice finish.