Quinta do Noval Unveils Historic Vinhas do Passadouro: A Triumph of Terroir in the Douro Valley
Quinta do Noval Vinhas do Passadouro, originating from a 0.93-hectare plot of historic vines established in 1930, lies on the terraced banks of the Pinhão River. The soil, rich with schist and containing high proportions of quartz, mica, and feldspar, nurtures this field blend.
The 2020 vintage in the Douro experienced a contrast of weather patterns, with heavy rainfall from winter through May, followed by an intensely hot, dry spell. This climatic shift reduced yields but forged wines with distinctive character. The early heat prompted a hand harvest on September 17th, a significant deviation from the usual schedule.
Post-fermentation in stainless steel at temperatures ranging from 25°C to 27°C, malolactic conversion was performed. The wine matured in 225-liter French oak barrels for one year (90% new, 10% one-vintage barrels) before bottling in June 2022.
Carlos Agrellos, the technical director, painted a vivid picture of the wine: “Deep and vibrant in color, it flaunts a richness of aroma with intense notes of ripe blackberry, black cherry, and plum. Complementary spices like black pepper, cloves, and cinnamon add layers of complexity. The tannins are robust, yet refined, giving the wine an elegant structure. Full-bodied and velvety, it dances on the palate, revealing its complexity and depth as it breathes in the glass.”
Agrellos also foresees a bright future for the wine: “Its ageing potential is vast, promising to unveil even more aromatic complexity and tannin smoothness as the years pass. Though enchanting now, its true essence awaits discovery after a few years in the cellar.”
The release is exclusive, totaling 1,115 bottles, 60 Magnums, and 30 Double-Magnums, with a 75cl bottle priced at approximately £215.
Marking a milestone, this is the inaugural vintage of Quinta do Noval Vinhas do Passadouro and the second release in its Terroir Series, following the 2019 Vinhas da Marka.
