Heritage Collection
Special Reserve 2018
Red Blend•Douro Valley•2018
A testament to four generations of winemaking excellence, this Reserva Especial represents the pinnacle of our family's craft. Crafted from our oldest vines in the Cima Corgo sub-region, this wine embodies the perfect balance between tradition and innovation.
Bottle048/500
48 of 500 remaining
LIMITED
98 Points - Wine Spectator
Gold Medal - Decanter World Wine Awards
97 Points - James Suckling
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Your Concierge
Maria Silva
Premium Wine Specialist
15 years of experience in premium wines and collector relationships. Specialist in Douro wines and cellar management.
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The Story
The Story Behind Special Reserve 2018
The 2018 vintage was one of exceptional character in the Douro Valley. A warm, dry summer followed by a perfect autumn created ideal conditions for slow, even ripening.
Our winemaking team, led by fourth-generation winemaker Antonio Silva, carefully selected grapes from vines averaging 70 years of age. The harvest was conducted entirely by hand in the cool early morning hours to preserve freshness and aromatic complexity.
The wine underwent traditional foot treading in granite lagares before aging for 24 months in new French oak barrels from the forests of Allier and Tronçais. This extended élevage allowed the wine to develop remarkable complexity while maintaining the vibrant fruit character that defines the Douro's finest expressions.
Only 500 bottles were produced, each numbered and signed by our head winemaker, making this a true collector's item that will reward careful cellaring for decades to come.
Harvest
Hand-harvested September 15–28, 2018
Aging
24 months in new French oak barrels
Vineyard Profile
Location
Quinta do Vale Grande - Cima Corgo, Douro Superior
Soil Composition
Schist and granite
Altitude
450-550 meters
Grape Varieties
Touriga Nacional (40%), Touriga Franca (35%), Tinta Roriz (25%)
Family Legacy
Four Generations of Excellence
Four generations dedicated to the art of winemaking in Douro Valley since 1920. Each generation brought innovation while preserving the traditions that make our wines unique.
1920
Quinta Foundation
Antonio Silva establishes the first family vineyard on the Douro slopes, beginning the family legacy.
1950
Second Generation
Expansion to new vineyards and first exports to international markets.
1985
Third Generation & Innovation
Introduction of modern techniques while preserving traditional winemaking methods.
2010
Fourth Generation & Recognition
International awards and establishment as a premium Douro producer.
Family Gallery
Terroir & Origin
The Soul of the Land
Understanding the unique characteristics that shape this exceptional wine
Altitude
450-550 meters
Steep slope with 30% inclination
Sun Exposure
South-southeast exposure, 2,200 annual sunshine hours
Optimal grape ripening conditions
Microclimate
Gentle Atlantic winds, moderate continental influence
Moderate Atlantic influence
Precipitation
600mm annual, concentrated in winter
Perfectly balanced hydration
Vineyard Location
Quinta do Vale Grande - Cima Corgo, Douro Superior
VALLEY TERROIR
Soil Composition
Schist and granite
Vine Age
Average 70 years • Old Vines
Sensory Analysis
Tasting Notes
Expert sensory evaluation and analysis of Special Reserve 2018 by our master sommeliers
Visual Appearance
Deep ruby with violet reflections and bright clarity
Deep ruby core
Violet reflections
Bright clarity
Aromatic Profile
Complex aromas of blackberry, cassis, dark cherry and violet floral notes, with vanilla nuances from French oak
Complex bouquet
Layered aromatics
Touriga Nacional (40%)
Palate Structure
Full-bodied with remarkable structure, polished tannins and layers of ripe dark fruit. Vibrant acidity and velvety texture
Rich texture
Balanced structure
14.5% alcohol
Finish & Persistence
Exceptionally long and persistent finish with evolving mineral and spice notes
Long persistence
Evolving finish
24 months in French oak
Aroma Profile
PRIMARY
• Blackberry
• Black Currant
• Dark Cherry
• Violet
SECONDARY
• Vanilla
• Cedar
• Chocolate
• Toast
TERTIARY
• Leather
• Tobacco
• Truffle
• Forest Floor
Sensory Profile
Fruit
85%
Acidity
70%
Body
80%
Tannins
75%
Finish
90%
Complexity
88%
Sensory
Profile
Click on attributes for more details
Flavor Spectrum
Fruit85%
Acidity70%
Body80%
Tannins75%
Finish90%
Complexity88%
Optimal Serving Conditions
1
Temperature
16–18°C
Ideal serving range
Serve in crystal for better aromatic expression
Avoid thermal shock - let it warm gradually
Ideal temperature preserves complexity
2
Decanting Time
02:00
Recommended aeration
Use wide-base decanter
Pour gently for oxygenation
Taste during decanting process
3
Glassware
Bordeaux Glass
Optimal shape
Rinse with wine first
Hold by stem to avoid warming
Fill to widest part of glass
Sommelier Tip:
Serve in crystal glassware to enhance aromatic expression and allow the wine to breathe properly. For optimal experience, serve slightly below room temperature.
Technical Analysis
Technical Specifications
Detailed laboratory data and complete oenological analysis
Total Acidity
5.8 g/L
Total acidity level
pH
3.65
Acidity intensity
Residual Sugar
1.2 g/L
Sweetness level
Volatile Acidity
0.58 g/L
Quality indicator
Total SO₂
98 mg/L
Preservative level
Wine Profile
Body85/100
Tannins78/100
Acidity72/100
Sweetness15/100
Alcohol88/100
Finish92/100
Vintage Comparison
2015
96/100
Powerful structure with concentrated fruit
Warm year with early harvest
2018
98/100
Perfect balance between freshness and maturity
Perfect year with ideal conditions
2020
97/100
Firm tannins and vibrant fruit
Warm year with early harvest
Evolution
Aging Potential
Discover how this wine evolves and reaches its peak expression over time
2018
Release - Raw potential to be developed
The wine shows its youthful character with prominent primary aromas and firm structure. Ideal for those who appreciate vibrant fruit and aging potential.
Key Characteristics
Firm tannins
Vibrant fruit
Prominent acidity
Primary aromas
ReleaseRating: 95/100
2028
Peak - Complete maturation and ideal expression
The wine reaches perfect harmony between fruit, structure, and evolved characteristics. This is the ideal moment to experience its full complexity.
Key Characteristics
Perfect balance
Maximum complexity
Tertiary notes
Total harmony
PeakRating: 98/100
Cellaring Recommendations
Temperature
Constant 14°C
Humidity
70% ideal
Bottle Position
Horizontal to keep cork moist
Vibration
As minimal as possible
Light Exposure
Total darkness
Recommended Drinking Window
2025 - 2045
Peak Drinking Period
2028 - 2035
Gastronomy
Perfect Pairings
Discover the ideal culinary companions for this exceptional wine
Ideal Combinations
Roasted lamb with rosemary
Aged cheeses like Serra da Estrela
Game meat stew
Sautéed wild mushrooms
Serving Recommendations
Temperature
16–18°C
Temperature
Decanting Time
02:00
Decanting Time
Recommended Glass
Bordeaux Glass
Recommended Glass
Sommelier's Advice
Serve in crystal glassware to enhance aromatic expression and allow the wine to breathe properly. For optimal experience, serve slightly below room temperature.
Collectibility
Investment Grade Wine
Digital Certificate of Authenticity
Each bottle is individually numbered and comes with a verifiable digital certificate ensuring provenance and authenticity.
Bottle Number
048/500
Rarity Index
95/100
RESERVA-ESPECIAL-2018
Authentic
Market Analysis
Market DemandVery High
Market LiquidityHigh
Appreciation PotentialExceptional
AvailabilityExtremely Limited
Provenance & Authentication
Authentication
Numbered bottles signed by the winemaker, from the family cellar
Investment Grade
This wine is considered investment grade due to its limited production and critical acclaim.
Last verified: 4/27/2026
Winemaking Artistry
Production Philosophy
The meticulous journey from vine to bottle, where tradition meets precision
1
Vineyard & Terroir
Quinta do Vale Grande - Cima Corgo, Douro Superior
2
Harvest
Hand-harvested September 15–28, 2018
3
Fermentation
Traditional granite lagares, 7-day maceration
4
Aging & Maturation
24 months in new French oak barrels
5
Bottling
Unfiltered, August 2021
Technical Specifications
Production Quantity
500 numbered bottles
Alcohol Content
14.5%
Aging Potential
2025–2045
Visual Journey
Gallery
Discover the essence of Special Reserve 2018 through captivating visuals.
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