Harvest 2009 Reflections

Dear all, I have received repeated requests for Quinta do Tedo’s impression of harvest 2009, so here goes after consulting Vincent and Jorge…..

Time to harvest

Harvest 2009 - Started 3 weeks earlier than normal on 25 August for some older parcels, due to a 40°C/105°F week-long heat wave combined with drying winds in August.  Luckily we had a “cooler” July than usual (with even miraculous precipitation) that allowed the younger more resistant vines to mature slowly and to not stress.  Due to 35/40% less rainfall this year we have 30/35% less fruit, with 3 positives: concentration, acidity and sugar.  2009 will be a very good Douro DOC year, too early to predict if a “classic” or “normal” Vintage year, will be very good LBV and top base for Ruby and Tawny.

Grapes in baskets

Here are Jorge's comments:

“Douro: mature, level-headed grapes, with good acidity, minerality and fragrances gave rise to grand, intensely fruited, velvety wines; silky tannins,  good structure to grow old or to be appreciated in the near years. Marvellous wines."

Port: very mature grapes; balanced, healthy, they gave rise to concentrated, rich Ports in fragrances, tastes and tannins, able to support the aging in the near decades. A special year."

Cheers! “

Gorgeous!

All in all, sounds pretty good, eh?

I wish all a happy Thanksgiving in the company of loved ones.  A glass of Quinta do Tedo port would be a dream with a piece of pumpkin, mince and apple pie!