Churchill's Quinta Da Gricha 2023 Vintage Port

“Black inky colour. On the nose, beautifull aromas of wild lavender and rosemary. Lovely depth and intensity on the palate, with juicy mineral flavours and a fabulous high tone natural acidity.”

Churchill’s founder and master blender Johnny Graham describes it as “a classic Quinta da Gricha Vintage Port with intensity, elegance and freshness 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 2023 Vintage Port was the result of a hot and rainy winter, a very hot and dry Spring and a normally hot Summer. There was a delay on the bud burst although veraison occurred 5 to 10 days earlier than the average. Generally, hydric stress was not an issue this year, in contrast with previous year 2022. We started picking the grapes for the Single Quinta in the 18th and 19th of September in perfect climatic conditions. 

“I'm really excited with the potential of our Gricha Vintage 2023. It shows an intense floral character but also the typical tension and freshness on the palate, a juicy combination of pure flavour, tannic structure and natural acidity.  It truly represents what the unique conditions of Quinta da Gricha can offer.” – Ricardo Pinto Nunes, Churchill’s Production Director and Winemaker.

“Quinta da Gricha produced Vintage quality Ports in 2023 with great intensity of colour, concentrated berry aromas and a firm tannic structure. The North facing aspect of the vineyard situated on the South bank of the river Douro gave the wines excellent natural acidity bringing the usual high-tone Gricha freshness to the palate. We have selected the best wines for the Gricha 2023 Vintage. I am proud to present this exceptional Single Quinta Vintage Port.” – Johnny Graham, Churchill’s Founder and Head Winemaker.