2005
Irregular and Unique
2005 was one of the driest years ever in the Douro. At the end of August, the effort of the vines under such extreme conditions was visually impressive and their physiological activity very irregular. We were obviously worried. But suddenly, good news literally fell from the sky: in the second week of September, it rained. And something that in any other year would never be desirable was a true blessing in this one. The few drops were enough to refresh the vine canopy and reactivate ripening. Two weeks later, the result was spectacular! The first fermentations immediately showed the level of quality that lay ahead – intense fruit aromas, concentration… The patience and careful monitoring of the vines at the most precious moments had been rewarded – this difficult year had produced some of the best wines born in the vineyards of the Alves de Sousa family.
VALE DA RAPOSA WHITE
WHITE Douro D.O.C
Late 1980s. The Alves de Sousa family acquired the approximately 18 hectares that make up Quinta do Vale da Raposa. In 1992, it was the stage for the first time in the production of DOC Douro wines with a red that immediately captivated connoisseurs and earned the best accolades. One example? Direct entry into the prestigious list of the 30 Best Buys in the World by the prestigious English journalist Oz Clarke. Since then, Quinta do Vale da Raposa has not stopped. The appearance of the Grande Escolha in the best years was complemented by an acclaimed collection of single-varietals, with a very special highlight being the Touriga Nacional (winner of the first major tasting of the variety in Portugal and Brazil) and the Tinto Cão (the only award for excellence in the Douro by Rev.Vinhos in 2000). Today, it includes a complete line of Douro wines (white, rosé and red) expressing the quality of the terroir of Quinta do Vale da Raposa.
HARVESTS : 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020