Quinta do Fojo 2016 92WA
Quinta do Fojo
Douro, Portugal

92 Pts Wine Advocate
The 2016 Quinta do Fojo is the new brand just labeled "Quinta do Fojo," as opposed to "Fojo" or "Vinha do Fojo." This is the second vintage, a field blend from younger (1986) vines, particularly Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, Touriga Francesa, Alicante Bouschet and Touriga Nacional. It was aged for 19 months in large, used French casks and comes in at 14.4% alcohol. This has been previously seen, but it is now in the marketplace. Where the 2015 sometimes seemed thin, even though it was anything but, this adds a layer of depth. It just feels fuller in the mouth. As I said last time around, this is a more complete wine than the 2015, also reevaluated this issue. With an extra year in the bottle, they have separated a little more, the perceptible balance at least making this feel a little richer, as noted previously. They both have fine structure. This can certainly age well too. You can approach this now, but another year in the cellar would help it along. There were 7,300 bottles produced (the plan is to increase to around 30,000 in a few years).

One of Douro's small, fanatical and most exceptional producers, Fojo has finally issued an affordable and more accessible wine (called "Quinta do Fojo"). Of course, it is still a wine from owner Margarida Borges, and she does not do things halfway. So, there is still structure and aging potential.

• Douro sub-region: Cima Corgo
• Produced at the Quinta do Fojo located at the left bank of the Valley of the Pinhão river
• Vineyard: Made exclusively from the vines of the property. 4 ha planted in 1986 with a field blend where the Tinta Roriz is the most planted grape variety. Mediterranean climate.
• Hard rock terraced schist soil vineyards. The vineyard stands 270m to 370m above sea level.
• Vinification: The fermentation is made in stainless steel tanks.
• Aging: The aging took place in big French oak vats lasting 19 months.
• Bottled in May 2018.
• The production was of 7300 bottles.
• Alcohol: 14.4%
• Total acidity: Total acidity 4,4g/1 Residual sugar 0,791 PH 3,06

• Winemaker: Margarida Seródio Borges