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Real Companhia Velha makes it to the top of João Paulo Martins’ choices for 2015
Considered one of Portugal’s most influential wine critics, João Paulo Martins launched in 2014 his 21st Wine Guide - Vinhos de Portugal - and selected 5 of Real Companhia Velha’s wines for the “Best of the Year” category. The wines selected were: Real Companhia Velha Espumante (Best Sparkling Wines), Quinta de Cidrô Rosé (Best Rosé Wines), Carvalhas Vinhas Velhas (Best Red Wines), Grandjó Late Harvest (Best Late Harvest Wines) and the Royal Oporto Colheita 1980 (Best Fortified – Port & Madeira).
João Paulo Martins claims that Real Companhia Velha has “surprised in the Sparkling wine chapter, an area which after a long interval, they have yet again a strong proposal”. In the Best Rosé Wine category, the critic elected the Quinta de Cidrô Rosé 2013, a typical Portuguese Rosé made from Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca with intense floral and fruit notes. A balanced and refreshing wine with good acidity and a long, velvety finish.
In the Red wine category, the attention is on Carvalhas Vinhas Velhas, the company’s top wine. Originating from Quinta das Carvalhas, “a spot where (according to Martins) great Douro wines are and will be born. This is a blend, of great quality, produced from vines with more than 80 years of age.” For Late Harvest Wines, a new category was created for this edition, selecting the Grandjó Late Harvest 2008, made from grapes naturally affected by the Botrytis Cinerea, which is produced by the company since the 20s. Finally, in the Fortified Category, Martins chose 1980 amongst the company’s very old Colheita Ports.