Tabuaço estate with schist and granite vineyards, varietal Ponte do Fumo wines, and DOC Douro and Port ambitions.
The producer
Kranemann Estates Lda. is anchored to Quinta do Convento de São Pedro das Águias in Tabuaço. Christoph Kranemann, a surgeon based in Canada and founder of the Clearview Vision Institute, conceived the project after becoming attached to the Douro and this estate. The vineyards include schist and granite soils, north and northeast exposures, and red varieties such as Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz and Tinta Barroca. Ponte do Fumo began with Tinta Barroca and Rabigato varietal wines, including a Tinta Barroca bottling made entirely from that grape.
Known for
Tabuaço varietal Douro wines
Notable facts
Quinta do Convento de São Pedro das Águias was acquired in 2018.
The estate includes 27 hectares of vineyards planted in 1970.
A modern winery on the estate was built in 2005.
Ponte do Fumo Tinta Barroca 2020 is made entirely from Tinta Barroca.
The story
The Cistercians Plant Vines
In the 12th century, monks of the Cistercian Order settled at Quinta do Convento de São Pedro das Águias in Tabuaço. Their settlement laid the foundations of the convent that exists there today and contributed to introducing vine cultivation. The episode links the religious history of the property with its vineyard history through a named group, a named place and a concrete agricultural act. Later Christoph Kranemann became attached to the Douro and this estate and conceived Kranemann Wine Estates around it.
The Cistercians Plant Vines
In the 12th century, monks of the Cistercian Order settled at Quinta do Convento de São Pedro das Águias in Tabuaço. Their settlement laid the foundations of the convent that exists there today and contributed to introducing vine cultivation. The episode links the religious history of the property with its vineyard history through a named group, a named place and a concrete agricultural act. Later Christoph Kranemann became attached to the Douro and this estate and conceived Kranemann Wine Estates around it.
From the atlas
Kranemann Estates Lda.
Kranemann Wine Estates in Tabuaço, with schist and granite vineyards and a project aimed at DOC Douro wines and Port.
Schist and granite vineyards, with a project aimed at DOC Douro wines and Port
The Producer
Christoph Kranemann conceived Kranemann Wine Estates after becoming attached to the Douro and Quinta do Convento de São Pedro das Águias. He is a surgeon based in Canada and founded the Clearview Vision Institute. The project grew around this Tabuaço estate and its wine heritage.
Place
Quinta do Convento de São Pedro das Águias is located in Tabuaço, in the Douro, the world's oldest demarcated wine region. The project names DOC Douro wines and Port among its aims. Port is a fortified wine, while DOC Douro names the regional wine designation.
Story
In 2018, Christoph Kranemann acquired Quinta do Convento de São Pedro das Águias. The property already had a modern winery built in 2005, placing the new Kranemann project at an established estate with its own production building.
Vineyards And Cellar
The estate covers 150 hectares, including 27 hectares of vineyards planted in 1970. The vines occupy north and northeast exposures at elevations between 320 and 420 metres, on soils that include schist and granite.
The red varieties highlighted at the estate are Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz and Tinta Barroca. Viosinho and Rabigato predominate among the cited white grapes.
Wines
Ponte do Fumo is organized around varietal bottlings. Its opening pair used Tinta Barroca and Rabigato, and the line was positioned as a continuing home for exclusive editions. The two grapes give the range a clear red and white division without relying on a single multi variety wine.
In The Glass
Ponte do Fumo Tinta Barroca shows a light ruby colour, with fresh red fruit, berries and blue fruit alongside floral and spicy notes. Dry brush, earthy, peat and stony tones add detail to the aroma.
The palate has a soft texture and a fresh, light feel, with a drier, mouthwatering profile and noticeable tannin. Mineral character remains through a long, vigorous finish.
A Bottle To Understand It
Open Ponte do Fumo Tinta Barroca 2020 first. It is made entirely from Tinta Barroca, with 30% whole bunches included during vinification. Whole bunches leave stems with the grapes during fermentation. The wine then uses seasoned barrels and develops for two additional years in bottle.
This is a single variety wine with a defined cellar path: one grape, whole bunches, used barrels and extended bottle development in the same named bottling.
Anecdote
In the 12th century, monks of the Cistercian Order settled at Quinta do Convento de São Pedro das Águias in Tabuaço. Their settlement laid the foundations of the convent that exists there today and contributed to introducing vine cultivation. The episode links the religious history of the property with its vineyard history through a named group, a named place and a concrete agricultural act. Later Christoph Kranemann became attached to the Douro and this estate and conceived Kranemann Wine Estates around it.
Final Word
Kranemann Wine Estates is a Tabuaço project with schist and granite vineyards, varietal Ponte do Fumo wines, and stated plans for DOC Douro wines and Port.