Quinta de Cidrô Chardonnay White

In 1993 we planted the first rows of Chardonnay as a starting point for our experimental project at the Quinta. The first Chardonnay was produced in 1996 by the hand of Jerry Luper, a Californian winemaker who had previously been involved with the famous 1973 Chateau Montalena from Napa Valley. In 1997, the variety’s fast adaptation to the Douro’s terroir combined with Luper’s touch resulted in a memorable Chardonnay, which went on to win many awards, including the Gold Medal. This was a turning point for Real Companhia Velha in the search for premium quality wines.

Today, Jorge Moreira, our chief winemaker and former intern of Jerry Luper, looks to improve even more the quality of our Chardonnay: “The Chardonnay from Quinta de Cidrô reflects the quality of this french variety with a strong influence from the Douro.“

It is a unique wine, where the variety’s character is supported by the Douro’s concentration and minerality. It is fermented and aged in french oak barriques under the process of batonage with lees. It reveals a beautiful golden colour and a complexity of tropical fruit aromas with smokey oak nuances of toast. Presents a medium body and fruitful flavours with a splendid velvety structure and excelent acidity that results in a long and lasting finish.