Douro-based producer, Kopke, has launched the second iteration in its limited-edition Winemaker’s Collection
The new wine, Reserva Rosé, is a still pink made with 100% Tinta Cão, a traditional grape of high natural acidity, firm tannins, and with the potential to produce long-lived wines.
The grapes came from 30yo vines in the Douro’s Cima Corgo subregion, situated at 400m above sea level and planted on schistose soil. Harvest was carried out by hand at the beginning of August 2019; the fruit was then whole-bunch pressed, and fermented partly in stainless steel vats (80%), partly in 2yo French oak barrels (20%) for six weeks.
After fermentation, the wines spent six months maturing in stainless steel vats, with battonage undertaken on a weekly basis.
Kopke says that the Tinta Cão Rosé Reserva 2019 shows floral notes combined with fresh fruits, 'including red currant. These flavours continue through to the palate where it is textured with a hint of smokiness and ends with a long, fresh finish’.
Like the previous Winemaker’s Collection release, Grand Reserva White, Arinto & Rabigato 2015, the Tinta Cão Rosé Reserva 2019 has been created by oenologist Ricardo Macedo.