Ref.
Chryseia 2017 was made with the finest grapes from Prats & Symington’s own Douro Valley
vineyards, Quinta de Roriz and Quinta da Perdiz. As with all previous Chryseia wines, Quinta
da Vila Velha, owned by James and Rupert Symington and which neighbours Quinta de Roriz,
also contributed for the blend.
2017 was the second driest year in the Douro and easily the hottest of the last four decades.
For the vines’ vegetative cycle, between March and September, the cumulative rainfall deficit
averaged 50%. The dry, mild winter was followed by the three crucial spring months – March,
April and May – that were cumulatively 2.6°C warmer than average. The lack of rain
notwithstanding, the regional grape varieties responded with characteristic resilience, adjusting
early on to the exceptionally dry conditions that prevailed from the outset of the year.
Unsurprisingly, the precocity of the year’s vegetative cycle resulted in the earliest vintage ever
recorded; picking starting on the 28th of August with Tinta Roriz in both Quinta de Roriz and
Quinta de Perdiz, and finished on the 18th of September in Roriz and the 20th in Perdiz, with
the Touriga Franca and some Touriga Nacional. Fortunately, the heat abated a little during
September, especially nocturnal temperatures, which created a beneficial situation reflected
in the high quality of the grapes received in the winery. The outcome of the vintage surpassed
all expectations.
Tasting note, Bruno Prats (October 2019): Intense color which reflects great concentration.
On the nose the oak is perfectly integrated and the floral notes of the Touriga Nacional
combine well with the more balsamic notes of the Touriga Franca. A touch of chocolate on
the finish. On the palate the structure is very rich and long. The tannins are round and soft
with elegance, minerality and freshness. The finish is very long and aromatic. A wine of great
ageing potential, balancing great concentration with elegance and finesse.