Passadouro
Red
- 2022
- 2019
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
Characteristics of the vintage
2022 will stand out as a remarkably dry year with unprecedented weather conditions in our region. Nonetheless, this growing season also showed the remarkable resilience of the Douro's vineyards and grape varieties.
The rainfall recorded during the viticultural year was 364mm, 276mm below the 1970/2000 average. The weather conditions were favourable during flowering in May and during fruit set. With a high number of bunches, a good harvest was expected.
From the 7th to the 15th of July a heatwave brought daily temperatures above 40°C, even reaching 45,5°C and it was on July 15th that Pinhão recorded Portugal's highest ever temperature at 47°C. From July 30th to August 10th, we experienced another heatwave with temperatures above 40°C.
The high temperatures, combined with low relative humidity, contributed greatly to the optimum health of the grapes. We experienced very little vine related diseases and most plots were surprisingly green and free from water stress. The low disease pressure was clearly verified by the small amount of eliminated bunches at grape sorting in our wineries during harvest, and it also translated into more wine produced.Harvest
On August 25th we were already harvesting red grapes for Port and red dry wines. The dry conditions throughout the season along with low water reserves restricted the vine's growth which in turn produced smaller bunches with small berries. The wines have excellent colour with perfectly ripe fruit on the nose.
Rain between the 12th and 14th of September (28.4mm) caused a sharp drop in temperatures and improved the final ripening of the grapes. We decided to pause the harvest, giving the grapes a few days to dry, improve phenolic ripening and gain more sugars. Our very best Ports and dry reds were produced during the final week after the mid-September rains.
The harvest lasted 37 days and finished on September 27th. The total grape production was 705 pipes, down 5% from 2021.Terroir
Altitude: 100 to 350 mts
Soil: Schist
Plantation system: Traditional walled terraces made with schist stone and vinha ao alto (vertical planting)Vinification
All the grapes were destemmed. The fermentation took place in stainless steel vats at a controlled temperature, followed by malolactic fermentation.
Blend
35% Touriga Francesa, 20 % Touriga Nacional, 20 % Tinta Roriz, 15% Field Blend, 10% Tinto Cão
Maturing
The wine was aged for 10 months: 75% in stainless steel, 3% in new barrels, and 22% in one-year-old barrels, all made of French oak.
Tasting notes
Deep ruby in colour. The nose is fresh and finely detailed, combining aromas of blackberry, black cherry and wild plum with discreet notes of rockrose, violet and chocolate. Gentle spice and a subtle mineral nuance add further complexity. On the palate, the wine is concentrated yet remarkably balanced, showing purity of fruit, fine grained tannins and good freshness. The structure is supported by vibrant acidity, giving both precision and length. The finish is long and persistent, with layers of flowers, dark fruits and spices.
Carlos Agrellos - Technical Director - 2026
Bottling date: May 2024
Wine Analyse
Alcohol content:
13.5% vol.
Residual sugar:
0.6g/l
Total acidity:
5.5g/l
pH:
3.61
