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The story of Vinilourenço began in the 1980s, when Horácio Augusto Lourenço planted the first vineyards in Poço do Canto, a small village in the heart of the Douro Superior. Guided by his vision and love for the land, Horácio laid the foundations of what would become a renowned family winery. His son, Jorge Miguel Graça Lourenço, later took the reins, bringing a modern approach to winemaking while preserving the family’s deep-rooted traditions.

In the early 2000s, Jorge Lourenço, then only eighteen, spearheaded the modernization of the estate—expanding vineyard areas, introducing new grape varieties, and structuring the winery for production and commercial success. Over the past decade, Vinilourenço has gained recognition for its dedication to quality and authenticity, reviving old Douro grape varieties and capturing the unique essence of its terroirs.

Today, the estate spans 45 hectares across Mêda and Vila Nova de Foz Côa, with vineyards scattered between 160 and 700 meters of altitude. This diversity of schist and granite soils creates wines of remarkable character and complexity. With each harvest lasting over a month, the distinct microclimates of the region allow Vinilourenço to produce expressive, elegant, and truly distinctive Douro wines that reach enthusiasts around the world.

Sourced from the highest-altitude parcels, the 2017 D. Graça Tinto Grande Reserva is made from old vines rooted in shale and granite slopes between 160 and 700 meters. This is their top wine and sells for almost 100 euros in Europe.  Fermentation takes place at around 26 °C in large granite vats, followed by pressing and malolactic fermentation. A portion of the wine then ages for eight months in French oak barrels before blending and bottling, adding finesse and complexity.

30% Touriga Nacional, 30% Touriga Franca, 25% Tinta Roriz, 10% Sousão and 5% Tinta Barroca.

The result is a deeply aromatic and structured Douro red. Aromas of blueberries, blackberries, and light jam intertwine with spice, tobacco, milk chocolate, cocoa powder, and menthol, lifted by subtle wild-flower and balsamic notes. There is already wonderful development of tertiary flavors like tobacco, cedar box, and dried tea leaves. 

On the palate, it delivers tertiary development balanced by firm tannins and a lingering finish of tea leaves, tobacco and cigar box, dark fruit, leather and pepper. Looking for an adventure, grill some meat and pop this wine!

NYR

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