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B-21 Top Recommendation
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Portugal's dynamic wine scene is finally shedding its port-centric identity, with the past decade seeing numerous great producers step into the limelight with their dry wines, taking the country's reputation beyond the legendary dessert treasures that put them on the map centuries ago.
One of the leading luminaries of this trend is the inimitable Douro estate Quinta do Crasto. With over 200 hectares under vine, they are an emblematic reference-point of Douro terroir up and down their range, in both reds and whites. Of course, they also produce some excellent ports, but it's the dry wines that have Portugal fans reaching for them again and again, vintage after vintage. The line-up below represents a broad survey of the Crasto portfolio, highlighted by the incredible value of the sub-$15 Crasto Tinto and the sub-$25 Crasto Superior. The middle tier of the range is replete with excellence in the "exuberant, showy, perfumed and floral 2020 Touriga Nacional ... a textbook example of the modern interpretation of the variety." The triple 94-point 2019 Touriga Franca offers a rare monovarietal expression of this ancient grape that gets everything right, a must-try for adventurous wine lovers. Finally, at the collectible tier, the towering, 98-point 2019 Vinha Maria Teresa is a testament to the heights that the very best Douro reds can reach, a resounding triumph that will cruise for decades in the cellar with the best wines from anywhere else in the world.
Whether you're looking to spice up your regular rotation, try something different for a special occasion, or augment your collection with a proven, world-class performer, this range from Quinta do Crasto has it. |
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The 2019 Touriga Franca was aged for 18 months in 90% new French oak and comes in at 14.7% alcohol. It is not common to see this grape as a monovarietal, but there are some. Crasto is getting it right and helping to lead the way. This opens softly, leaning to sensuality, but it expands in the glass, shows off its fine structure and becomes steadily more interesting. It is a lot less sensual at that point but a lot more powerful. The finish is long and gripping. Since the tannins are moderately ripe, this can be drunk now, but this has a real backbone. Giving it a few years to age would be a great idea. It is still closed and a little too aggressive. Some cellaring will let it come together and become more harmonious. It's hard pressed to match the aromatic glory of its Touriga Nacional sibling, but it certainly has virtues of its own. It does seem very ripe this year. Hopefully, it holds its balance as it ages. There were just 5,414 bottles produced, plus some large-format bottles.
94 points, Mark Squires, Wine Advocate (May 2022)
This Touriga Franca comes from the Crasto home vineyard. The wine's toast, herbs and wild berry aromas are reflected in the solid, perfumed flavors, blueberry fruits and refined texture. The wine will be ready from 2026. Suitable for vegans.
94 points, Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast (May 2024)
Attractive blue-fruited character here with spices and blue flowers. Hints of iron, too. Tannins are tightly packed, but very fine and lingering. Medium to full body. It’s concentrated and fresh at the same time, with stony minerality at the end. So much verve. They only make this bottling in top years. Drink or hold.
94 points, James Suckling (Apr 2023)
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