While Portugal's Douro Valley is obviously most famous its fortified port wines, the number of estates gaining serious attention for their dry whites and reds is growing with every vintage, and you can add Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora do Carmo (or "Quinta Nova" for short) to that list.
This historic property is arguably one of the most visually dramatic places in the wine world (something that can be said for pretty much all of the Douro Valley), and their ancient, terraced vineyard blocks are home to approximately 130 massale selected vine species, rigorously documented, nursed, and cultivated from the estate's original vines planted over 200 years ago. Now under the direction of the Amorim family, the estate has seen a resurgence in investment over the past two decades, which has brought their wines up to a next-level quality and garnered the accompanying critical recognition.
This set of new arrivals is highlighted by the 2023 Reserva Terroir Red, a 92-point blend of Douro's most famous red grapes that showcases the classic winemaking and style of this famed region. The estate also hits the collectible sphere with impressive results both white and red. The 2023 Mirabilis Branco is a true field blend, composed of several varietals of very old vines, all co-planted in a handful of small plots. James Suckling and Luis Gutierrez both make Burgundian comparisons to this singular white wine with a "showy, large nose and personality." Finally, don't miss the "exceptional," 97-point 2019 Centenaria Referencia P29/P21. As the name implies, it's crafted from 100-year-old vines, mainly Touriga Nacional. "Wonderfully expressive, the fruit here is special," notes Wine Advocate's Mark Squires, "The wine is seductive rather than astringent. Perfect balance completes the picture here."
With winners in every price point and quality tier, Quinta Nova is a sure bet for long-time Portugal fans and novices alike to explore the unparalleled variety and style of this historic wine region.
The 2019 Vinha Centenária Referęncia P29/P21 is predominantly Touriga Nacional (75%) with the rest a field blend from centenarian vines that have a certain emphasis on Donzelinho Tinto (about 8% of the 80 some varieties). It was all aged for 12 months in new French oak and comes in at 14.4% alcohol. Wonderfully expressive, the fruit here is special, dripping with blue fruit nuances and well supported by structure. The wine is seductive rather than astringent. Perfect balance completes the picture here. This and the Roriz in this report are both exceptional. Pick your favorite. We will see which one wins in the end. There were 3,500 bottles produced. This will be released in the fall.
97 points, Mark Squires, Wine Advocate (Jul 2022)
A wine from two parcels, one of Touriga Nacional, the other from a field blend, this is impressively rich and dense. With a year in new wood, the wine is powerful, with juicy blackberry fruits and solid tannins, all suggesting it needs further aging. Drink from 2025.
95 points, Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast (Mar 2023)
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