CHURCHILL'S QUINTA DA GRICHA 2022
VINTAGE PORT

“Black inky colour to a purple rim. Fresh spicy aromas of gum cistus and blueberries. Rich and vibrant on the palate with racy tannins and a long lingering finish.”

Churchill’s founder and master blender Johnny Graham describes it as “a classic Quinta da Gricha Vintage Port with intensity and elegance which will age gracefully for many years to come.”

A Single Quinta vintage offers a snapshot of the micro-characteristics of the Douro terroir. Named for the natural spring (the “gricha”) that feeds its north-facing vineyards, Quinta da Gricha is located on the South bank of the river Douro between the Pinhão and Tua valleys. The 40-hectare vineyard sits in a microclimate at 150 to 400 meters above sea level, with a wind exposure that naturally regulates humidity. The oldest vines are over 70 years old and produce wines with a vibrant natural acidity and complexity. The specificity of the Gricha terroir and schist soils produce wines with a characteristic minerality, freshness and raw energy. 

Quinta da Gricha Vintage Ports are produced with a minimal intervention winemaking approach: sourced exclusively from the old vineyards on the estate, the grapes are hand-picked, twice sorted, and foot treaded in traditional granite ‘lagares’, with a prolonged natural fermentation process that uses only native yeast.

Churchill´s Quinta da Gricha 2022 Vintage Port was the result of a very hot, dry year. Because of the absence of precipitation and high temperatures during the maturation period, the picking started earlier than expected. Some rainfall and lower temperatures in the beginning of September benefited the overall quality, having less impact than anticipated on the yields, which were 15-20% below 2021. We picked our old vineyards, that produce our single Quinta vintage port, on the 11th of September under perfect weather conditions. 

“Despite the very difficult conditions that preceded the harvest, with a dramatic lack of water since the winter and extremely hot and dry summer months, our Churchill’s Quinta da Gricha 2022 Vintage Port is a true example of the unique conditions of this magical place: a Port full of grip and intensity, but elegant, pure and seductive at the same time. A wine I’m very proud to show”. – Ricardo Pinto Nunes, Churchill’s Production Director and Winemaker.

“Despite the hot, dry year, this Churchill’s Quinta da Gricha 2022 Vintage Port shows a characteristic spicy and resinous aroma as well as that fresh and exuberant blueberry flavour on the palate. This is a classic Quinta da Gricha Vintage Port with intensity and elegance which will age gracefully for many years to come.” – Johnny Graham, Churchill’s Founder and Head Winemaker.