Adriano Ramos Pinto founded the house in 1880 and the excellent quality of the wines soon gained recognition on the export market. Adrianoâ€â„¢s business foresight made him something of a pioneer in the Port market whereby he supported the promotion of his wines with a quality advertising campaign based on posters designed by some of the most famous artists of his time.
Today, as majority shareholders, the Louis Roederer family group perpetuates the policy of quality by way of substantial investment in advanced technology and viticultural methods combined with respect for tradition and service.
Among Port producers, Ramos Pinto has the largest holding of estate vineyards proportionate to wine produced. The Quintas are located in the delimited areas of Cima-Corgo for Quinta do Bom-Retiro and Quinta do Urtiga, and Douro Superior for Quinta da Ervamoira and Quinta dos Bons Ares. In 1976, Ramos Pinto began a detailed and ongoing research project to select the best grape varieties for the production of quality Port and table wines. Five varietals selected by Ramos Pinto were subsequently adopted by the Authorities for all new plantings in the region: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Roriz and Tinto Cao.
Technical Details
Region: Duas Quintas is a blend of wines from two estates: Quinta da Ervamoira and Quinta dos Bons Ares. Quinta da Ervamoira, located on the Douro superior on the left bank of the Douro River where it meets the Coa River, is Ramos Pintoâ€â„¢s experimental vineyard. Here, 240 acres of vines are planted vertically, a departure from the traditional horizontal rows stepping up the hilly slopes rising from the river. Vertical planting allows closer spacing of the vines, increasing the production by hectare and reducing vigour, with a resultant improvement in quality. Like much of the Douroâ€â„¢s steep slopes, the soil is schistose and very poor. Quinta dos Bons Ares located on strong gravel soils at 600 m.a.s.l., dates back to Roman times, and was purchased in 1985 with a view to set up a vinification centre. The Quinta dos Bons Ares was chosen due to a number of decisive factors: the high altitude which makes the summer climate milder and therefore more appropriate for storing and settling wines; its proximity to Quinta da Ervamoira; and the production of wines with higher acidity levels adding freshness and structure when blended with the riper, more highly concentrated wines of Ervamoira.
Terrain: Steep rocky mountains flank the Duoro and the vine has adapted well to the man made terraces of generally poor soils over schistose. Soils which encourage deep penetration of the roots find moisture during the blistering summers, which are countered by biting winter rains.
Grape Varieties: touriga francesa 40%, tinta roriz 40%, touriga nacional 20%
Method: The grapes are hand picked in 150kg boxes and 100% destemmed before temperature controlled fermentation in stainless steel vats, with automatic pumping-over. A post-fermentation maceration is carried out and the malo-lactic fermentation occurs in stainless steel. 20% is then transferred to oak casks, with the balance remaining in stainless steel for a maturation period of 6-8 months.
Tasting Notes
Colour: Brilliant, intense red with vermillion reflections.
Bouquet/Palate: Very intense with aromas of cherries and plums. With air notes of liquorice and spice evolve. Soft and voluminous initially, soon revealing a fresh, smooth, velvety texture, with flavours which echo the nose (red fruits, blackberries, citrus and white pepper). The palate is long, dry and deliciously savoury.
Service: Duas Quintas is a great match with grilled meats, salad, cured meats and poultry dishes. Open one hour prior to service at 15-18 degrees Celsius.
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