The producers that achieve glory among the world elite of wine critics are very rare but in Quinta do Mouro this reconnaissance is as frequent as justified.
Its 27 hectares of vineyards rest on the best terroir in Alentejo, few kilometers away from Estremoz, where a blend of indigenous and international vine varieties - Aragonez, Alicante Bouschet, Touriga Nacional, Trincadeira, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Syrah – bring forth a remarkable alchemy that creates wines of extraordinary quality.
Not many could anticipate the series of triumphs that the wine publications would display nowadays when, in 1989, Miguel Louro, with his son Luís, decided to plant the vineyards to which he has dedicated his legendary enthusiasm.
The enumeration of the tasting notes from Parker or Jancis Robinson can be read as a nobility title of the ancient aristocracy: 95 points for Quinta do Mouro 2009 (Parker), 94 points for Quinta do Mouro Gold Label 2011 (Parker), 18 out of 20 points for Quinta do Mouro 2008 (Robinson), 18,5 for Quinta do Mouro Gold Label ( 2007… It is an outstanding series for a small producer that, only in 1998, has ventured in a brand extension.
Nowadays, besides Quinta do Mouro, its portfolio includes an intermediate range of products called Casa dos Zagalos and a more accessible yet very appealing brand called Vinha do Mouro. The wines Quinta do Mouro, that have made the house famous, are divided in a prestigious series: Quinta do Mouro Vinha do Malhó, made with Cabernet-Sauvignon hybrids and aged 12 months in new French oak barrels; Quinta do MouroTouriga Nacional, a varietal of the great Portuguese vine variety and the Quinta do Mouro Cabernet – Sauvignon, the result of the same process as the previous ones.
The great reserve of the house has been named, following the tradition from Alentejo, Quinta do Mouro Gold Label. It is an exceptional blend of Alicante-Bouschet with Aragonêz Touriga Nacional and Cabernet Sauvignon that ages for 18 to 24 months in 300 liters new French oak barrels prior to receiving appreciation from critics. Parker says:
“The only question is how good it gets. Full bodied and already showing some complexity, it takes over the palate and controls it (…) Intense and finishing with juicy and very tasty fruit (…). They aren’t just wines to admire in tastings. They are balanced and well constructed. They go well with food. This impressive Southern winery has been making a lot of top labels”.
It must be a pleasure and pride for Miguel e Luís Louro to have their wines described by such pleasant words. For those who drink them, there is still much to be said.
