2003 Quinta dos Canais
GRAPE SOURCE:
Appellation: Porto / DouroValley Region: Cima Corgo and Douro Superior
Varietal Composition60 % Touriga Nacional / 40% Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca and Touriga FrancaHarvest Brix: 24º
THE ESTATE
Cockburn’s Quinta dos Canais is a traditional, terraced Upper Douro quinta that has been producing superior wines for over 100 years. The property has consistently provided the grapes that become the backbone of Cockburn’s declared vintages. Considered the “jewel in the crown,” the property was purchased in 1989, and consists of some 272 acres (110 hectares) of vineyards on the north bank of the Douro. The plantings here face south, and therefore benefit from long hours of sunlight. Under the regional classification system, the vineyard has been awarded the highest possible rating.
Originally five separate quintas, Canais was combined into a single large property around the turn of the century. Its abundant water supply, conserved from run off and channeled around the upper elevations, gave the property its name; canais is the Portuguese word for canals. Vineyard blocks have been planted by varietal, a practice pioneered by Cockburn’s in the region.
VINTAGE
“The 2003 vintage was consistently hot and dry, with no surprises and an optimal level of rain during the different seasons of the year. The vines grew with a low but steady level of water, allowing them to classically develop. A fine picking season in September lead to a harvest with above average quantity and excellent quality, mainly due to the consistency of the weather.” He added, “It was a good year especially for Touriga Franca and Touriga Nacional, allowing a strong maturation of these leading Douro varieties.”-- Miguel Côrte-Real, Cockburn’s Viticultural & Commercial Director
WINEMAKING
Cockburn Smithes believes that good ports are made in the vineyards and Quinta dos Canais 2003 Single Quinta Vintage is no exception. Once the grapes have been picked by hand, they are trodden in traditional granite lagares. The wine spends two years in oak vats and then is bottled to mature for several years. No fining, cooling or filtering takes place in order to maintain the richness and power of the wine.
WINEMAKER COMMENTS
“We are really happy with the quality of the 2003’s in general, and we feel that this is the best Canais that we have ever made. It is vibrant in color, with berry fruit tones complemented by floral aromas; beautifully balanced and with an elegant tannic structure and agreeably slightly dry finish. Try with a Stilton Blue and hazelnuts” -- Jim Reader, Cockburn’s Head of Wine Making and General Manager
STATISTICS:
FERMENTATION:Average Temperature: 75°F-82°F Lagares (foot treading): 100%
MATURATION:Wood Type: Oak 100%Barrel Size: 3960 gallon oak uprights (550 liters)
Time in Barrel: 2 years Barrel Age: More than 50 yrs Filtration: Unfiltered
WINE ANALYSIS:Acid: 0.38pH: 3.63Residual Sugar: 10.1%Alcohol: 20%
CASES IMPORTED:1,000 RELEASED: FEB. 2006