Quinta do Fojo Tinto 2017

The Wine Advocate
RP 90

Reviewed by: Mark Squires

The 2017 Quinta do Fojo is a new brand labelled simply “Quinta do Fojo”, rather than “Fojo” or “Vinha do Fojo”. This is the third vintage, a field blend from younger vines (30 years), especially Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, Touriga Francesa, Alicante Bouschet and Touriga Nacional. It aged in large used French vats.

Fruity and vibrant, it has a wonderfully fresh feel and intense flavour. This is a good vintage for achieving what the winery probably intends here — a more approachable, fruity wine that doesn't need so much ageing. It may not be as powerful as its predecessors, but it's much more flavourful and fresh, while keeping reasonable concentration. There's still good structure, though the tannins are ripe. I liked it a lot. The fruit expression is simply brilliant, though the structure is a step behind. Even so, few wines in this report showed such lively flavour. It can be drunk young. It should also age reasonably well. If it shows more depth, that will happen in the cellar.