Quinta do Paral
Passion, Craftsmanship & Patience
Situated around the village of Vidigueira, Quinta do Paral comprises 102 hectares of mature vineyards, olive groves, and cork oaks. The estate was owned by the Count of Palma and the Countess of Santar until 2017 when it was acquired by German businessman Dieter Morszeck, realising his dream to own a top-flight wine estate following the sale of his family’s successful luggage brand, Rimowa.
Undoubtedly one of the estate’s greatest assets is the wealth of old vine material with an average age of 45 years. To ensure that they continue to flourish for many more decades to come Dieter and the team, led by winemaker Luís Leão have spent the last three years renovating the vineyards to lower yields and establishing strict new sustainability standards.
Branco
Equal parts Antão Vaz, Verdelho, Vermentino & Viognier, stainless steel ferment. Intriguing waxy, pollen nose with notes of honeydew melon. The palate is rich and textural but pitch-perfect acidity keeps it in check. Totally delicious.
Vinhas Velhas Branco
70% Antão Vaz, 30% Perrum. Fermented in French oak followed by extended ageing on lees. Aromatics reminiscent of Tokaji, with notes of crystalised ginger mingling with melted butter. Almost Burgundian in character on the palate. Rich and remarkably long.
Tinto
Equal parts Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Petit Verdot & Petite Syrah. Stainless steel ferment. Ripe, brambly nose with piquant, redcurrant accents. Palate is concentrated and hedonistic with a perfectly judged mesh of acidity that keeps the overall effect fresh, evolving and really moreish. Tannins are polished and silky.
Colheita Seleccionada Tinto
Equal parts Alicante Bouschet, Touriga Nacional, Cabernet Sauvignon & Syrah. Fermented in lagar, followed by 9 months ageing in French and American oak. The nose is initially savoury with black olive and dried meat notes but then gives way to a flush of plums and damsons. The palate is similarly complex, punctuated by fine chalky tannins. The length is prodigious!
Vinhas Velhas Tinto
Aragonez 50% & Tinta Grossa 50%. Fermented in lagar, followed by 18 months in French oak. Delicate redcurrant aromatics, the palate is pure and elegant with touches of spice and smoke. Balanced, complex, masterful.