Quinta da Furada Pata D'Urso Tinto Vinhas Únicas 2018
The Pata D'Urso Tinto Vinhas Únicas 2018 is a distinguished red wine from the Douro Valley, crafted by Quinta da Furada. Sourced from century-old vines situated between 250 and 400 meters in altitude, with exposures to the south, east, and west, this wine reflects the unique terroir of the region.
 
The 2018 vintage experienced a cool growing season with significant temperature variations. July was notably the coolest of the 21st century, followed by an exceptionally hot early August, with August 4th being the hottest day recorded in the century up to that point. These conditions led to a delayed ripening process, resulting in musts with lower alcohol content but excellent phenolic maturity, contributing to the wine's complexity and elegance.
 
Harvested manually in mid-September, the grapes underwent careful selection before being destemmed and fermented in stainless steel vats at controlled temperatures for two weeks. Post-fermentation, the wine was transferred directly into used French oak barrels for malolactic fermentation and aged for 24 months. It then rested in stainless steel tanks before bottling, followed by an additional 12 months of bottle aging.
 
Tasting Notes:
This wine exhibits a concentrated color with violet hues. The nose reveals the complexity of old Douro vineyards, dominated by notes of graphite, wild berries, herbs, and spices. On the palate, it is youthful, structured, and possesses good acidity. The finish is long and spicy, demonstrating balance and precision.
O₂: 15 ppm
Total SO₂: 50 ppm
Residual Sugar: 0.6 g/L
 
Serving Recommendations:
Temperature: 16º
Pairing: Ideal with red meats , roasted veal, or oven-baked
This wine is a testament to Quinta da Furada's commitment to producing wines that honor the heritage and distinctiveness of the Douro Valley.