Evel Douro Tinto 2021 is a red Douro wine from Real Companhia Velha, made in a style that has been characteristic of the Evel brand since 1913: elegant, smooth, and fruit-driven. The grapes come from three important quintas of the house, combining vineyards in cooler locations on the Alijó plateau with the more powerful, warmer influence of Quinta dos Aciprestes. This gives this Portuguese red wine its recognizable mix of ripe red fruit, soft tannins, subtle oak influence, and a round, accessible structure.
Evel Douro Tinto originates from the Douro, one of Portugal's most renowned wine regions, where Real Companhia Velha has been active for centuries.
• Location / Origin: The grapes come from Quinta do Casal da Granja, Quinta de Cidrô, and Quinta dos Aciprestes. These are located on the Alijó plateau, in São João da Pesqueira, and near Nagoselo, respectively.
• Altitude: Quinta do Casal da Granja is situated on the high Alijó plateau, between 500 and 600 meters in altitude. This cooler location ensures slower ripening and helps to preserve aromatic freshness.
• Climate & Influences: Quinta de Cidrô benefits from a longer growing season due to its high altitude and milder climate, while Quinta dos Aciprestes benefits from a warmer microclimate that adds power and structure to the blend.
• Soil: In the Douro, poor, stony soils with a high schist content play a significant role. These soils force the vines to root deeper and contribute to concentration, grip, and the typical spicy tension of the region.
• Vineyards: Quinta dos Aciprestes is located along the Douro, on slopes between 100 and 350 meters in altitude. The vineyards are in a transitional area between Cima Corgo and Douro Superior, ensuring a good balance of ripeness and freshness.
Evel Douro Tinto 2021 is a blend of classic red grape varieties from the Douro.
• Touriga Nacional – Douro: Touriga Nacional imparts color, structure, floral notes, and depth to the wine. This grape is considered one of Portugal's most important red varieties.
• Touriga Franca – Douro: Touriga Franca brings aromatic intensity, ripe red fruit, and a smooth, round structure.
• Tinta Roriz – Douro: Tinta Roriz, known as Tempranillo in Spain, adds red fruit, spiciness, and firmness to the blend.
• Tinta Barroca – Douro: Tinta Barroca provides softness, ripe fruit, and extra volume, making the wine feel more approachable and round.
The vinification focuses on fresh fruit, soft tannins, and an accessible Douro style.
• Harvest & Selection: The grapes are hand-picked and transported to the winery in 40 kg crates. This helps keep the fruit whole and clean for processing.
• Fermentation: Upon arrival, the grapes are destemmed and lightly crushed before being transferred to the fermentation vats. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks at 24–26 °C, effectively preserving ripe fruit and structure.
• Aging / Oak Maturation: The wine ages for 8 months in French oak barrels. This aging imparts subtle vanilla, soft oak tones, and extra roundness, without overpowering Evel's fruity character.
• Alcohol Percentage: At 13.5% alcohol, this Douro Tinto has sufficient body for its ripe fruit, soft tannins, and light oak influence.
