PLEASE NOTE: This is a recurring auction. The seal number(s) you see on the photos might differ from the one(s) on your bottle(s). 2021 Quinta da Pacheca Reserva Vinhas Velhas Red 6 x 0.75L DESCRIPTION Among the valleys of the Douro River, near the left bank, in the village of Cambres, Lamego county, in the heart of the first Pombaline demarcation of the Region, is Quinta da Pacheca, one of the most prestigious and recognized properties in the Douro Demarcated Region. The history of the vineyard in this property dates back to the XVI century when it was a collection of vines that belonged to the Monasteries of Salzedas and St. João de Tarouca, as referred to in a document dating 1551. The estate is mentioned for the first time in a document dated from April 1738 where it is referred to as “Pacheca”, a feminine form of the family name Pacheco for being owned for a lady, Da. Mariana Pacheco Pereira, an imposing woman who took care of the property by herself. One of the Pombaline landmarks remaining that were first used in 1758 to outline this first ever Demarcated Wine Region in the world by the Marquês de Pombal, is still preserved inside Quinta da Pacheca, right at the main entrance to the traditional stone tanks. These granitic stone marks were declared property of national interest in the 1940s. It was in 1903 that D. José Freire de Serpa Pimentel bought the property and began to work on the modernization of the vineyard and structures among which are eight granite stone tanks where red wines from Pacheca are still vinified, resulting in limited annual productions of special categories Douro DOC wines and Port wines. With around 75 hectares of own vineyards planted in the Humanity World Heritage, classified by UNESCO in 2001, Quinta da Pacheca has always been focused in the production of quality Douro DOC and Port wines and was one of the first in the region to bottle DOC wines under its own brand. It was in 1977 that the commercialization of DOC wines with the brands of Quinta da Pacheca and Quinta de Vale Abraão started, which vineyards still belongs to Quinta da Pacheca today, under the leadership of the pioneer D. Eduardo Mendia Freire de Serpa Pimentel who was the first in Portugal to produce white wines from Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Gewurztraminer. Nowadays, Serpa Pimentel family continues involved in the project with the fourth generation of the family. In 1995 Quinta da Pacheca officially began its project in wine tourism opening its doors for guided tours to the property and sale of its wines in Quinta’s store. The concept was developed over the years with other activities of relevant wine tourism interest and resulted with the opening of The Wine House Hotel Quinta da Pacheca in 2009, thus exploring another form of business and contributing to broaden the tourism offer in an increasingly sought region and recognized as a destination of excellence. WINEMAKER: Maria de Serpa Pimentel. AWARDS/RECOMMENDATIONS 92 Points, Wine Enthusiast 89 Points, Decanter World Wine Awards 16.5 Points, Jancis Robinson (2018 Vintage) 17 Points, Vinho Grandes Escolhas (2014 Vintage) WINE VARIETIES: Old Vines. VINIFICATION The grapes were harvested into 25 kg boxes, after careful selection for their best health status, and sent to the winemaking center where they were completely de-stemmed. Fermentation took place for 9 days in a 7-ton granite press, with foot treading and gentle pumping over to leach the blanket and extract phenolic and aromatic compounds. At the end of alcoholic fermentation, the wine was transferred to second and third year French oak barrels where malolactic fermentation took place and aged for around 12 months. TASTING NOTES Pacheca Vinhas Velhas reveals good aromatic intensity, very complex with elegant notes of chocolate and black fruit, such as blueberry and blackberry. It’s very balanced in the mouth with pres- ent tannins and well-integrated wood,long and persistent finish. SERVING This wine pairs with meats, cheeses and, in general, Mediterranean cuisine. Store in a horizontal position, in a cool and dry place, protected from light and temperature fluctuations. Serve at a temperature between 16ºC and 18ºC. Consume in moderation.