![Quinta do Crasto Touriga Franca Douro DOC 2016 (Portugal) - [WE 93] [JS 93] [WS 91]](http://artisan.wine/cdn/shop/files/Touriga-Franca-non-vintage-307x1024_{width}x.jpg?v=1731633431)
Quinta do Crasto Touriga Franca Douro DOC 2016
(Portugal) - [WE 93] [JS 93] [WS 91]
Regular price $126.00 Sale price $82.97 Save $43.03
Deep purple in color. On the nose, it impresses by its intensity and concentration of aromas of red fruits, which are in perfect harmony with delicate floral notes. The palate is rich and elegant, with excellent volume and silky tannins, all very well integrated with notes of red fruits. The finish is balanced and delivers an extraordinary persistence and freshness. A wine that perfectly reflects the identity of the Touriga Franca grape variety.
Winemaking Notes
The grapes, coming from the best Touriga Franca plots of Quinta do Crasto, are brought to the winery in 22 kg plastic boxes where they undergo strict selection. After complete destemming and slight crushing, the juice is transferred to temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks. Once the alcoholic fermentation is completed, the juice is gently pressed. Aging: 8 months in French oak barrels.
Ratings & Reviews
93 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"Vintage, variety and site (south-east-facing, at 300m) together produce a fragrant, vividly fruited example of Crasto’s first release of this Touriga Nacional/Marufo cross, with inky florals, bergamot and rock rose and spicier black tea and cedar notes to its crunchy red fruits. Finer framed than the Nacional; powdery, mineral tannins carry a long, persistent finish. Exudes elegance from every pore. Aged 18 months in French oak (90% new, light toast). (Drink between 2019-2031)." - Sarah Ahmed (Sep 2019)
93 Points - Wine Advocate:
"This 2016 Touriga Franca is the debut of a new monovarietal in Crasto's lineup, sourced from 35-year-old vines. It was aged for 18 months in 90% used French oak and comes in at 14% alcohol. More nuanced than the Touriga Nacional (but not as sexy or as aromatic), this has a touch of rhubarb and herbs, then plums. Despite being double decanted for some six hours, it showed the ability to improve notably in the glass over an hour or more, constantly getting better. Good depth and moderate tannins allow the wine to seem serious and well balanced. I liked this more and more as it aired out. Admittedly, there is no track record, but it made me want to lean up on it for the moment. It will have some questions to answer in the cellar, but it seems like an impressive debut." - Mark Squires (Feb 2019)
91 Points - Wine Spectator:
"A suave red, with toast and smoky notes edging the blackberry tart, slate and espresso flavors. Refined tannins gain momentum, with hoisin sauce, wild herb, anise and spice details on the finish. Drink now through 2028. 75 cases imported." - Gillian Sciaretta