The New Douro: Quinta do Crasto

Sociedade Agrícola da Quinta do Crasto, Gouvinhas, 5060-063 Sabrosa, Portugal
Tel: +351-254 920 020, Fax: +351-254 920 788

The magnificently situated Crasto estate in the Douro. Compare this view, taken from the riverbank, with the pictures looking down on the estate, taken on my previous visit.

Crasto is a beautiful estate owned by Jorge Roquette and his family. It’s been marketing its own wines since 1994, and currently has an important role as one of the most visible manufacturers of Douro table wines. The situation couldn’t be better, with the house and winery located on a hilly outcrop on the Douro, roughly midway between Pinhão and Régua in the Cima Corgo.

Altogether the estate consists of 130 hectares, with 48 ha under vine. There’s been quite a bit of modernization of both the vineyards and the cellars, and this is continuing with the planting of more vineyards in the Douro Superior. The newer vineyards are planted by variety (Tinta Roriz, Touriga Francesa, Tinta Barroca, Tinto Cấo, Touriga Francesa). On the slopes on either side of the winery are the precious old vine vineyards (visible in the picture above).

A recent development is the purchase of 100 hectares in the Douro superior on the left bank. 7 ha are being planted now, with the intention to raise this to 30. Irrigation is needed and the idea is that this will provide good blending material.

Jorge Roquette of Crasto and consultant winemaker Dominic Morris seem to be enjoying a glass of Maria Theresa

From 1994 winemaking was conducted under the guidance of two Aussies, Dominic Morris and David Baverstock. David’s involvement here stopped a few years back, but Dominic is still involved and runs the winemaking here, although in 2002 a young Spanish winemaker, Susana Esteban, was hired. Previously with Douro property Quinta do Côtto, she’s now responsible for Port and red wine vinification (under the guidance of Morris), while Tomas Roquette manages the Quinta and his brother Miguel Roquette takes care of sales and marketing.

Quinta do Crasto Douro 2001
Unoaked, this is bright and fruity with lovely sweetness to the fruit. Bold and bright; juicy and fresh. Very good+ 86/100

Quinta do Crasto Douro Reserva 2001
After quick foot treading in Lagares this goes into open tanks, then 3/4 to French and 1/4 to American oak barrels. Ripe, intensely spicy black fruits nose. Good density. Vividly fruited palate shows lovely balance between the ripe fruit and the spicy structure. A rich modern style, but good acid and tannins. Very good/excellent 90/100

Quinta do Crasto Touriga Nacional 2001
Very forward spicy, minty nose with distinctive dark, spicy fruits. The palate is concentrated, dense and spicy with lots of ripe fruit, good acidity and some tannic structure. There's a hint of coconut, too, from the oak. Very good+ 89/100

Quinta do Crasto Maria Theresa 2001
One of the two single vineyard wines, but they are only made when the vintage warrants it. Ripe, spicy, sweet, complex and tarry on the nose with good depth of fruit. The palate is quite lush, with bold complex sweet fruit. Good acid and balance. Direct and modern; spicy and herby. Very good/excellent 92/100