Quinta dos Roques Encruzado Branco

Light straw in colour with golden hues. The bouquet shows good aromatic intensity, notes of lemon and tropical fruits stand out, together with the fine and pleasant toast of the barrels; the palate brings a sensation of freshness, but the great structure and complexity is soon recognised; the finish is long and very persistent.

Family-owned and currently run by the charming and enthusiastic Luis Lourenço, Quinta dos Roques is one of three properties owned by the family, all planted with grape varieties indigenous to the Dao region. Quinta dos Roques itself lies about 10km south of Mangualde and the name comes from the family name, Roques de Oliveira. They began growing grapes at the end of the 1970s and took the decision to buck the trend towards planting international grape varieties. They also started bottling their own wine rather than selling their grapes to the local cooperative. Quinta dos Roques has grown dramatically over the past two decades. They create both varietals and blends with great ease, showing their expertise and combining old with modern techniques which is evident in their top-end wines. The investment in their varietal wines has always been one of the hallmarks of the house, with particular attention for the Touriga Nacional which has become legendary in Quinta dos Roques.