Quinta Dos Murcas Assobio White 2015
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Quinta dos Murcas dates back to 1714 and is one of three estates owned and operated by the Esporao, one of Portugal’s leading producers of fine wine. As of 2021, the entire estate has been certified organic, a reflection of Esporao’s commitment to organic and sustainable agriculture. Murcas is nestled on the right bank of the Douro River, between the towns of Regua and Pinhao. Stretching over 3.2 km along the riverfront, mainly with southern exposure, Quinta dos Murças encompasses a total of 155 ha (383 acres), of which 48ha (118 acres) are vineyards with indigenous grape varieties. The estate is distinguished by the remarkably vertical topography of its slopes covered in vines that boast dozens of native grape varieties. In fact, Quinta dos Murças pioneered the practice of vertical vineyards in the Douro Valley. Characterized by 8 different terroirs, those viewing Murças from a distance are unable to fully comprehend its true size or realize the many different exposures and soil diversity within its steep slopes. Under the leadership of Winemaker, Jose Luis Moreira da Silva, Murças produces award winning wines year after year that enhance the reputation of both the Douro and Portugal.
With hundreds of white grape varieties to choose from, winemakers have the freedom to create a virtually endless assortment of blended white wines. In many European regions, strict laws are in place determining the set of varieties that may be used in white wine blends, but in the New World, experimentation is permitted and encouraged. Blending can be utilized to enhance balance or create complexity, lending different layers of flavors and aromas. For example, a variety that creates a soft and full-bodied white wine blend, like Chardonnay, would do well combined with one that is more fragrant and naturally high in acidity. Sometimes small amounts of a particular variety are added to boost color or aromatics. Blending can take place before or after fermentation, with the latter, more popular option giving more control to the winemaker over the final qualities of the wine.
The home of Port—perhaps the most internationally acclaimed beverage—the Douro region of Portugal is one of the world’s oldest delimited wine regions, established in 1756. The vineyards of the Douro, set on the slopes surrounding the Douro River (known as the Duero in Spain), are incredibly steep, necessitating the use of terracing and thus, manual vineyard management as well as harvesting. The Douro's best sites, rare outcroppings of Cambrian schist, are reserved for vineyards that yield high quality Port.
While more than 100 indigenous varieties are approved for wine production in the Douro, there are five primary grapes that make up most Port and the region's excellent, though less known, red table wines. Touriga Nacional is the finest of these, prized for its deep color, tannins and floral aromatics. Tinta Roriz (Spain's Tempranillo) adds bright acidity and red fruit flavors. Touriga Franca shows great persistence of fruit and Tinta Barroca helps round out the blend with its supple texture. Tinta Cão, a fine but low-yielding variety, is now rarely planted but still highly valued for its ability to produce excellent, complex wines.
White wines, generally crisp, mineral-driven blends of Arinto, Viosinho, Gouveio, Malvasia Fina and an assortment of other rare but local varieties, are produced in small quantities but worth noting.
With hot summers and cool, wet winters, the Duoro has a maritime climate.