From 1996, Cristiano and his team had been plotting the Dona Maria vineyard, identifying individual parcels of exceptional quality. In 2004, when Cristiano’s daughter Francisca reached 18, they planted a new plot, with a number of varietals, including Tinta Francisca.
"Intensely coloured, this offers a really appealing, floral and abundantly fruited nose, lightly smoky, white pepper spiced. Ripe and aromatic on the palate, the tannins are certainly present but beautifully coated in red and black cherry fruit. The finish is protracted, upbeat and fresh, very elegant pretty fruit with schist minerals underpinning a poised, long, balanced finish."