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). 2013 REAL COMPANHIA VELHA, Quinta dos Aciprestes Grande Reserva Sousão Red 1 x 0.75L 2014 REAL COMPANHIA VELHA, Quinta dos Aciprestes Grande Reserva Sousão Red 1 x 0.75L 2015 REAL COMPANHIA VELHA, Quinta dos Aciprestes Grande Reserva Sousão Red 1 x 0.75L Douro Region DESCRIPTION Real Companhia Velha is the oldest wine company in Portugal, having celebrated 265 years of existence and uninterrupted activity. Since its foudation on the 10th september 1756 by Royal Charter of D. José I, King of Portugal, under the auspices of his Prime Minister, Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo, Marquis of Pombal, the importance of this chartered Company was reflected by the valuable services to the community, being the most relevant, the demarcation of the Douro region – the oldest wine appellation in the world. Since 1960, Real Companhia Velha has been run by the Silva Reis family, who have dedicated their efforts to the production of both Port and Douro wines, focusing on the study and development of the Douro terroir. The Company owns 5 quintas in the Douro valley – Quinta das Carvalhas, Quinta de Cidrô, Quinta dos Aciprestes, Quinta do Casal da Granja and Quinta do Síbio – with a total vineyard surface of 557 ha. The Series wines represent our passion for innovation and experimentation in the search for new and interesting wines. This effort reflects the backstage work developed by our winemaking and viticulture team, through a selection of more than 30 different indiginous grape varietals (some close to extinction) plnated at our estates in the last 20 years. Thus, the grand objective is to search for a new style of Douro wine through the most distinct varieties and test it amongst our consumers. WINEMAKER: Jorge Moreira. AWARDS/RECOMMENDATIONS 94 Points, Wine Enthusiast (2014 Vintage) 93 Points, Wine Enthusiast (2013 Vintage) 93 Points, Wine Enthusiast (2015 Vintage) 17.5 Points, Vinho Grandes Escolhas (2014 Vintage) WINE VARIETIES: Sousão (100%). VINIFICATION Fermentation and maceration take place in stainless steel vats with temperature control. 30% of the wine ages in new French oak barrels for a period of 18 months, with 70% aging in used barrels. 2013 TASTING NOTES This wine reveals maturity and wonderful fragrance along with a firm core of tannins. Its wood aging has smoothed the edges and given the wine richness. 2014 TASTING NOTES Wine reveals the entire essence of a Douro Sousão through a deep, inky color, typical of this well-known grape variety. On the nose, very light vegetal nuances stand out that combine with fine notes of ripe fruit and tertiary notes typical of the variety such as coffee and spices, offering complexity and a lot of aromatic intensity. In the tasting, it appears elegant and soft, with round and soft tannins, something uncommon in wines produced from the Sousão grape variety. 2015 TASTING NOTES Wine with a very deep color and great aromatic complexity with attractive notes of lively and fresh fruit. Very powerful, with tannins that are very present but round and greedy, which, in combination with a balanced acidity, results in a long and harmonious finish. Seductive wine, very original and gastronomic. SERVING Excellent in the company of red meat, grilled and roasted meats. Store in a cool, dry place, protected from light and temperature fluctuations. Serve at a temperature between 16ºC and 18ºC. Consume in moderation.