Production
The blend is drawn from top properties in the Cima Corgo area including Krohn's Quinta do Retiro Novo estate in the Rio Torto valley. "This was a year in which the vineyard cycle stayed well ahead of the normal calendar throughout the growing and ripening seasons. This resulted in a very early harvest. Picking at Krohn's Quinta do Retiro Novo estate started in the first days of September, the earliest for a generation. The year was also one of the driest that I can remember ... As a result, the vineyards produced thick skinned, perfectly healthy grapes which yielded concentrated, deeply coloured wines." David Guimaraens (head winemaker). Produced from a selection of traditional grape varieties, fermentation takes place in open granite tanks (lagares), where it's interrupted by the addition of grape spirit to preserve natural sweetness. Aged in traditional 'pipes' and larger casks.
Tasting notes
Deep purple-black with vivid purple rim. The nose has the hallmark ripeness and dark berry aromas of Retiro Novo, but also crisp red berries, plum and apricot; plus notes of thyme, rose and violet. The palate has fresh berry fruit flavours, racy acidity, linear tannins and a long finish. Expressive and finely aromatic in line with Krohn's house style, but with impressive depth and structure characteristic of the 2017 vintage.
Food match
The perfect after dinner drink, either by itself or with soft cheeses
