Quinta do Poeta, a new Douro winery
The poet in question is Fausto José dos Santos Júnior (1903-1975), who was born in Aldeia de Cima in the Douro. It’s his grandchild Nuno Santos and his wife Gabriela who have begun this new project.
The family has vineyards in the Douro: whites primarily come from a 2.5 ha plot at 620 m in Aldeia de Cima, and then there’s a larger (15 ha) vineyard at 350-450 m in Aldeia de Baixo.
Gabriela previously worked at Niepoort, starting this project in 2021, making use of the vineyards she owns with her husband.
Segredos do Poeta Branco 2021
Viosinho, Arinto and Alvarinho from 620 m, schist and granite soils. Stainless steel. Lively, bright and lemony with nice focused fruit. Slightly chalky edge. Such purity with nice acidity. 90/100
Quinta do Poeta Branco 2022
25% from high altitude vineyards, 75% from an old vineyard at 450 m. Barrel fermented. Lovely acidity with linear, fresh citrus fruit. Sony and bright with nice precision and a slight salinity on the finish. 93/100
Quinta do Poeta Rosé 2021
25% barrel-fermented. Pale salmon pink. Light in style with a touch of mandarin and some creamy notes. 88/100
Segredos do Poeta Tinto 2021
From a north-facing old vineyard in Vale Mendiz, this is a field blend including Touriga Franca and Rufete in decent amounts. Lagar then used barrels. Juicy, bright and focused with nice pure red cherry and plum fruit. This has brightness and energy, as well as freshness. 93/100
Quinta do Poeta 2021
13% alcohol. This has 10% Sousão in the blend and spends 20 months in used barrels. Deep in colour this has lovely weight. It’s very fresh with good acidity and structure as well as weight of fruit. Lovely finesse with finesse, brightness and an expressive personality. 94/100
