| Quinta da Raza |
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Overview
Location: Celerico de Basto, Vinho Verde Whilst fairly new to the UK, this estate is already carving out a niche for itself amongst serious wine merchants, sommeliers and journalists here, who are applauding the fruit quality, and value for money in the resulting wines. Even the (by UK standards) slightly eccentric red Vinhao has got tongues wagging (see Wine List tab). Incidentally, the bird which appears on the Raza labels is the Lesser Kestrel, locally called "Peneireiro". According to Wikipedia, "The lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) is a small falcon. This species breeds from the Mediterranean across southern central Asia to China and Mongolia. It is a summer migrant, wintering in Africa and Pakistan and sometimes even India and Iraq. It is rare north of its breeding range, and declining in its European range." The full story and and images are here. As Mafalda explains, "Peneireiros live in this area and they fly on and over the Raza vineyards. Our address even bears its name. In the future we are planning to have a partnership with the Association LPN which protects this bird and its habitat." Images below are from the 2011 harvest, including treading the Vinhao.
Wine ListFor older vintage information please contact us or consult the producer’s website
Quinta da Raza Vinho Verde Current Vintage: 2010 Quinta da Raza Arinto 'Colheita Seleccionada'
Current Vintage: 2010
Arinto is the one white variety planted in every Portuguese region, but we are really convinced about the results achieved here, as well as providing distinct character from
the best Loureiro of the Lima Valley or Alvarinho of Moncao-Melgaco. This special bottling of Arinto marks another new benchmark in the rebirth of the Vinho Verde region. 13%
and with a rounded body and texture, it offers a smoky, minerally flavour which is pretty serious for this price.
Current Vintage: 2010 Vinhao (aka Sousao of the Douro) is a teinturier - so with red flesh as well as black skin. Trodden by foot, it represents a unique offering in the world of wine, with crunchy red fruit. Best served a touch cool, with charcuterie and french bread (if you don't have a plate of stewed local lampreys or pork in paprika to hand).
"More intriguing still are the vivid, peony-coloured reds from the local Vinha grape. I love the .... Quinta da Raza, which is made from grapes which are still
foot-trodden. Its recommended (a touch impractically for us in the UK) as a pairing for lamprey and "codfish meals". I'd go for grilled sardines myself, but its a
fantastically food-friendly red that you should chill and drink with anything from spicy spaghetti puttanesca to suckling pig." |
