Description
Excomungado from Quinta de Vale de Pios is
a real hidden gem in Portugal, tucked away in the heart of the Douro National Park! The ungrafted vines, surrounded by centuries-old olive trees, create a breathtaking landscape. In this region with its extreme climate, Joaquim Almeida produces wines naturally, using indigenous yeasts and without any chemicals. The Excomungado cuvée, made from the youngest vines, perfectly reflects the estate’s style. Aromatic complexity and structure convey the wine’s character with great precision. Black fruits, floral notes, hints of tobacco and a lovely texture. The value for money is exceptional for this quintessential everyday wine!
In the vineyard, in the cellar
The Excomungado Douro wine from Quinta de Vale de Pios in detail:
- Appellation: Douro (Portugal)
- Winemaker: Joaquim Almeida
- Grape varieties: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz and Tinto Cao
- Viticulture: Organic
- Soils: Schist
- Altitude: 250 m
- Age of vines: 20 years
- Planting density: 4,800 vines/ha
- Yield: 30 hl/ha
- Yeasts: Indigenous
- Alcohol content: 13%
- Harvest: Manual
- Vinification: fermentation in stainless steel vats, extended maceration
- Ageing: stainless steel vats
Biodiversity: the key to a unique ecosystem
The quality of the soil, the altitude of 200 metres, the temperature range and the watercourses foster significant biodiversity and explain the location of this very old vineyard. The existing slopes favour vertical planting which, combined with grass cover, allows for better erosion control. In this area with its extreme, very dry climate, sources of coolness are of major importance for the quality of the vines. The coolness of the night balances the heat of the day. The vines at Quinta de Vale de Pios are mostly low-yielding indigenous varieties; they were planted before the phylloxera epidemic on soil consisting mainly of schist.
What to eat with a Douro Excomungado from Quinta de Vale de Pios?
- The wine really comes into its own when the first barbecues are lit
- Roasted meats
- lightly spiced grilled pork
- grilled peppers
- ratatouille
- Try a Portuguese-style beef stew.
