The morning started off going sideways with a tasting at Quinto do Vallado. We scheduled a tasting-only, no tour as we had lunch reservations to get to. "No Problem" they assured us, and then proceeded to herd everyone into a tourist trap winery tour waste-of-time on the way to the tasting. Very disappointing wines, table wine at best.
The only good thing was the 10 year Tawny with flavors of candied orange, coffee, and maple syrup.
Karen saved the day by driving on the donkey paths that they call roads in the Douro and got us to our appointment at Quinta do Crasto.
We had a fantastic winery tour, tasting, and lunch hosted by Anna. We will definitely take visitors here, if we can build up the courage to drive there again. (Maybe we'll pay for a driver and keep our eyes closed all the way.)
Sights like this make the drive worthwhile. White tablecloth service and fantastic home cooking in a private dining room, we couldn't ask for better.
We had a selection of assorted meats, puff pastries (yes, we cheated on our diets), roast pork in a port wine reduction sauce, potato threads, rice, cheeses, and mushroom caps. Yum!
We finished lunch on a balcony over the river with coffee / tea and roasted estate grown almonds. - Peace -
Quinta do Crasto wines are now our Go-To wines whenever we see them.
Tasting Notes:
2020 Crasto Superior white - Sauvignon Blanc styled wine = 90 points
2018 Quinto do Crasto Syrah - with 3% Viognier to provide a bit of acid and freshness to the wine, aromas of baking spice and baked cherry pie, flavors of cherry and earthy minerals, with a long finish and a slight hint of prune/dried fruit giving a nod to the port tradition of the region. This was the winner of the tasting = 95 points
2017 Reserva "Old Vines" blend - we joked that it smelled like an "old winery", in a good way. 30 euro. We debated between 94 and 95 points and wound up = 94 points.
2017 Tinta Roriz - (Temprenillo for you Spaniards) This is a powerful wine, flavors of blackberry and black cherry with silky smooth tannins. The overall impression is "Strong!" At 55 euro it's a bit pricey = 94 points