Adverse weather conditions made 2016 a complex year. The winter saw generous levels of rainfall, far above the average for the last thirty years. It was also warmer than usual through the end of January. The rain continued into early spring, but it was accompanied by an considerable fall in temperatures that slowed the growth of the vines. July and August were extremely hot and dry. The rainy winter had provided abundant water reserves that yielded lush vines with excellent canopies. The grapes were ripening well, if slowly. Quinta do Crasto saw 18mm of rain on 24 and 25 August, which was of great benefit to the vines. This, together with a fall in temperatures in early September, gave rise to the perfect ripening of the grapes. The white grape harvest began on 2 September and the first red wine grapes began coming into the winery on 5 September. The good weather continued throughout the harvest, enhancing maturation and this allowed us to pinpoint the exact moment to pick each particular vineyard or variety. As a result, the whites, reds and Ports made this year had excellent color, deep aromas and serious structure, as well as being elegant and well-balanced. The complexity of this harvest meant the viticultural and winemaking team had to spend considerable time in the vineyards so as to make the most important decisions that would lead to great wines.

The grapes, coming from the vineyard plot Vinha da Ponte, are taken to the winery in 22 kg boxes. On arrival in the winery they are rigorously inspected on a sorting table. The grapes are then completely destemmed and crushed in traditional stone tanks (´lagares´). After this, the juice is transferred to temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Once the alcoholic fermentation is completed, the juice is gently pressed. Aging: About 20 months in new oak barrels. The final wine is made from a selection of the finest barrels.

2015 was a dry but well-balanced year that was saved by the right amount of rainfall at exactly the right moment. July and August were mild, with hot days and cold nights, which had a positive influence on the ripening of the grapes. The white grape harvest began on 21 August and the first red wine grapes arrived in the winery from the Quinta da Cabreira in the Douro Superior on 29 August. Weather conditions throughout the harvest were favorable. Rain on 15 and 16 September favored the final ripening of the grapes of some vineyard plots. The Vinha da Ponte, with its south/east facing aspect, found in 2015 exceptional conditions to reach full ripeness. The grapes of this vineyard plot were harvested on 8 September. This is a year whose wines stand out for their generous fruit, natural freshness and extraordinary elegance.

The grapes, coming from the vineyard plot Vinha da Ponte, are taken to the winery in 22 kg plastic boxes. On arrival in the winery they are rigorously inspected on a sorting table. The grapes are then completely destemmed and slightly crushed. After this, they are transferred to temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Once the alcoholic fermentation is completed, the grape are gently pressed using hydraulic presses. Aging: About 20 months in new French oak barrels. The final wine is made from a selection of the finest barrels.

The grapes, coming from Vinha da Ponte, a plot of Quinta do Crasto´s vineyard, were taken to the winery in plastic boxes and rigorously inspected on arrival. The grapes were first foot trodden in a traditional stone tank (“lagar”) and after this, they were transferred into an open stainless steel tank with robotic pistons. Fermentation took place for 7 days under strict controlled temperature environment. Aging: 20 months in new French oak barrels (225 litres).