Text João Barbosa | Translation Bruno Ferreira

In December, children write to Santa Claus to tell him they behaved well during the year and ask for gifts. I no longer have the age for that! Nowadays I write to the summer and ask to have a few quiet days with sun, during the its period of governance.

Instead of toys, I ask to have wines to comfort me while I convince myself that the summer will be eternal and that I’m still able to swim across the Sesimbra Bay. I’ll write here about some wines from Quinta do Gradil that I have in the bag.

Quinta do Gradil is located in Cadaval, in the Lisbon wine region. The property is very old and had several distinguished owners, the first was Marquês de Pombal (The Marquis of Pombal). In total it has 123 hectares of vineyards and nowadays is birthplace of several wines.

The oenology is in charge of António Ventura and Vera Moreira. I have often expressed my admiration for this oenologist, who is perhaps the one that produces more liters of wine in Portugal. What impresses me here is the way the grape varieties differentiate themselves while keeping their identity … how many times do we find equal wines of different grape varieties? Therefore, here, there is an added didactic value, features that help understanding the grape varieties.

António Ventura completed 32 years working in Quinta do Gradil. He says that 2015 was a good year for reds in this property.

The Mula Velha Rosé 2015 is dangerous! In the good sense. It was made with Castelão and Tinta Roriz grapes and has an acidity recommended for lighter fare of summer. As for me, I think it works best as a company for the carefree conversations during the vacation…

The Mula Velha Reserva White 2015 was made with Arinto and Fernão Pires grapes, and some Chardonnay grapes. This one is a good friend of summer foods.

Quinta do Gradil Viosinho 2015 – Photo Provided by Quinta do Gradil | All Rights Reserved

Quinta do Gradil Sauvignon Blanc e Arinto 2015 – Photo Provided by Quinta do Gradil | All Rights Reserved

The Quinta do Gradil Viosinho 2015 is the summer in a bottle. Very fresh, brings together mineral and tropical characteristics. It has the “grace” of being done with an improbable variety. There is no record of this Douro grape variety going so far south the country. It is a wine to accompany conversation and shellfish.

The Quinta do Gradil Sauvignon Blanc e Arinto 2015 is almost a classic. It is known that these two grape varieties work well together, and this producer early found the right formula. As the previous wine, it is a wine to accompany conversation and shellfish.

Quinta do Gradil Chardonnay 2015 – Photo Provided by Quinta do Gradil | All Rights Reserved

Quinta do Gradil Rosé Syrah e Touriga Nacional 2015 – Photo Provided by Quinta do Gradil | All Rights Reserved

The Quinta do Gradil Chardonnay 2015… Oh man! I really enjoyed it. It is unctuous and complex, with structure, it’s not heavy or cloying. To me, the wines of this property are always a good company for a conversation. This one likes to be at the table and is a good match for poultry meat.

The Quinta do Gradil Rosé Syrah e Touriga Nacional 2015 is a wine for… the table and banter. Beautiful.

Contacts
Estrada Nacional 115 Vilar
2550 – 073 Vilar | Cadaval
Portugal
Tel: (+351) 262 770 000
Fax: (+351) 262 777 007
Mobile: +351 917 791 974
E-mail: info@quintadogradil.pt
Website: www.quintadogradil.wine