What am I: Quinta do Javali Fonte do Santo Capsula Cereja 2018

Quinta do Javali is a small property of about 18 hectares. It is located along the left bank of the Douro River in the parish of Nagoselo do Douro – São João da Pesqueira, in a place with a history of wine production as old as the region itself.

The property is located on a small quay in the river, which has been used as a wharf for loading the typical rabelo boats. It also serves as a small cottage, fully rebuilt, and displays an inscription found on the door threshold dating from 1839. The typical and old Douro terrace walls in the property are witness to the history of the vineyard.

Javali has a North-Eastern exposure and orientation, as well as the schistose soil with vertical diaclasites. This allows the vine roots to penetrate to unthinkable depths This deep root system provides a complex number of benefits for the vines. As a result, Quinta do Javali is able to create an exceptional port and Douro DOC wines.

The vineyard is planted in the characteristic Douro terraces at an altitude between 150 and 300m. Plantings include Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca, Tinto Cão, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Barroca, and Sousão. With the mission of exploring this hidden treasure of the Douro Javali created the family company Sociedade Agrícola da Quinta do Javali, Lda.

Most recently, Quinta do Javali has dedicated itself to the practice of biodynamics and has thrown itself into this somewhat mystical and perhaps misunderstood discipline. At their prized vineyard of Fonte do Santo, they make three wines. Each wine represents a different terroir within the same vineyard, and each displays an exceptionally different character. Vermelha, Azul, and Cherry are each marked by a different colored wax capsule.

Quinta do Javali Fonte do Santo Capsula Cereja 2018 is named so for its exuberant cherry and red fruit flavors. So light on its feet for a Douro wine, you would be forgiven for thinking it a light Burgundy perhaps, or a Beaujolais? The fact that this is a natural Douro wine makes you completely rethink what you thought you knew about the Douro and Portuguese reds in general.