Poças - Quinado - 750ml
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A distinctive Portuguese fortified wine represents a fascinating intersection of tradition and innovation. It is produced by the esteemed family-owned house of Poças, renowned for its exceptional Port wines in the Douro Valley. This 750ml bottling is a revival of a historical style, blending the elegance of aged Tawny Port with the complex bitterness of quinine, a compound derived from cinchona bark. This unique aromatized wine once held significant prominence in medicinal and aperitif culture, serving as a restorative tonic and a sophisticated beverage.
The production of Poças Quinado begins with a carefully selected base of aged Tawny Port, imparting the wine's deep amber color, rich flavors of dried fruit, and smooth, velvety texture. This base wine is infused with cinchona bark, the key ingredient that imparts a firm, lingering bitterness, setting it apart from other fortified wines. The recipe is further enriched with a proprietary blend of botanicals and spices, adding layers of dried fruit, warm spice, and herbal complexity. Unlike the sharper bitterness in some Italian chinati, the Portuguese approach tends to balance the quinine with a richer, rounder profile, making it a compelling alternative to traditional vermouths and amaros.
The taste of Poças Quinado is a harmonious interplay of sweetness, acidity, and bitterness. The initial impression is one of rich, dried fruit flavors, such as fig and raisin, complemented by notes of caramel and toffee, derived from the aged Tawny Port. The quinine adds a subtle yet distinct bitterness that balances the sweetness, creating a complex and intriguing taste experience. The wine has a long, lingering finish with a pleasant bitterness that lingers on the palate, inviting contemplation.
Once commonly consumed for its restorative properties, Poças Quinado has been reborn as a versatile component in the modern mixologist's arsenal and a sophisticated sipper in its own right. Its Douro heritage makes it a natural fit for classic Port-based cocktails, but it also shines as a complex modifier in stirred drinks. Try it as an unexpected substitute for sweet vermouth in a Manhattan, or enjoy it simply over ice with a slice of orange to fully appreciate its depth and complexity. Poças Quinado is best enjoyed as an aperitif or paired with strong cheeses like Stilton or Roquefort or desserts like chocolate cake or tart, where its unique flavor profile can be fully appreciated. This Douro-born quinado offers a distinctive and historically rich addition to the world of bittersweet aperitifs, bridging the gap between the Portuguese fortified wine tradition and the global resurgence of these nuanced beverages.
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Poças
In the heart of Portugal's Douro Valley, where the rugged landscape whispers tales of centuries-old viticultural tradition, the Poças family legacy unfolds, a narrative woven with dedication and passion. Established in 1918 by the visionary Manoel Poças Júnior, the company has ascended to become a hallmark of quality, crafting exceptional Port and Douro DOC wines while maintaining its cherished independence and Portuguese ownership for over a century. This unwavering commitment to their roots has allowed Poças to cultivate a unique identity within the competitive world of wine.
Manoel Poças Júnior's initial foray into the wine world began with a focus on selling grape spirits, a crucial component for Port production. However, his deep-seated passion for wine soon ignited a desire to create his own company. This led to the establishment of Poças and the opening of offices in Vila Nova de Gaia, the historic hub of Port production. This strategic move solidified the company's place within the heart of the industry. Over time, Manoel Poças Júnior meticulously passed his invaluable knowledge and unwavering dedication onto his children and grandchildren, ensuring the seamless continuation of the Poças family legacy. Today, the fourth generation expertly manages the winery, with each member playing a vital role in the company's success. Maria Manuel Maia leads the viticultural efforts, ensuring the health and quality of the vineyards, while Paulo Pintão oversees the production and administrative aspects of the business. Pedro Poças Pintão spearheads the sales and marketing initiatives, bringing the Poças wines to a global audience.
Poças' unwavering commitment to quality begins in the vineyards, the foundation of their exceptional wines. They own three distinct estates in the Douro Valley – Quinta das Quartas, Quinta de Santa Bárbara, and Quinta de Vale de Cavalos. Each estate boasts unique characteristics, from varying altitudes to diverse microclimates, contributing to the rich tapestry of Poças wines. The schistose soils, steep slopes, and scorching summer sun of the Douro Valley present a demanding environment, requiring meticulous care and attention. Poças embraces sustainable practices, working harmoniously with the land to preserve its natural resources. Low yields and meticulous hand-harvesting, often involving traditional foot treading, ensure that only the finest grapes are selected, truly reflecting the Douro's unique terroir.
Poças' reputation was initially built upon their exceptional Old Tawny Ports, aged in oak barrels for extended periods, resulting in wines of remarkable depth, complexity, and finesse. However, the company has not rested on its laurels. Over the past three decades, they have increasingly focused on showcasing the immense potential of Douro DOC wines. Utilizing indigenous grape varieties like Tinta Barroca, Touriga Nacional, and Touriga Franca, Poças crafts expressive red wines known for their bold character, robust structure, and captivating aromatic profiles. This diversification has allowed Poças to expand its portfolio and reach a wider audience while remaining true to its Douro roots.
While respecting time-honored techniques like foot treading for Port, Poças embraces innovation in the winery, recognizing the importance of modern practices in achieving optimal results. Modern temperature control methods and aging vessels are used alongside traditional practices, ensuring that the essence of the Douro Valley is preserved in every bottle. This harmonious blend of tradition and innovation allows Poças to craft authentic and contemporary wines.
Poças Wines is a testament to the enduring spirit of family, a profound commitment to quality, and a deep respect for the land. Their journey of excellence continues, offering us a diverse range of Port and Douro DOC wines that tell the captivating story of the Poças family and the soul of Portugal's Douro Valley. Tradition and innovation intertwine in this region to create wines of exceptional character and lasting legacy.
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