Wines Douro Quinta do Crasto - Crasto 430

Quinta do Crasto's Cuvée Crasto 430 is a non-vintage red wine crafted in the heart of Portugal’s Douro Valley, a region celebrated globally for both its historic Port wines and increasingly acclaimed dry reds. While the exact blend of this cuvée is not detailed, Douro reds typically feature a harmonious mix of indigenous grape varieties such as Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz and Tinta Barroca, among others. The “430” designation in the cuvée’s name may evoke a special vineyard plot or a specific aspect of the winemaking process, though without further details, one should focus on the expressive, characterful style characteristic of Douro reds: expect vibrant fruit, herbal notes, and ample structure, underpinned by balanced tannins and freshness. These wines are most often vinified with care to preserve both the powerful fruit profile and the mineral complexity imparted by the region’s schist and granite soils.

The Douro region itself is one of the world’s oldest demarcated wine areas, its dramatic terraced vineyards winding along the steep banks of the Douro River. The region benefits from a continental climate, with hot, dry summers and cold winters, creating optimal conditions for grape concentration and complexity. The poor, rocky soils contribute to modest yields and result in wines of considerable depth and intensity, while generations of tradition underpin thoughtful viticulture and winemaking approaches.

Pairing a Douro red such as this, you might look to robust yet refined cuisine. Portuguese dishes like roasted lamb with herbs, grilled chorizo, or “posta Mirandesa” (high-quality Portuguese beef steak) work beautifully, as do slow-cooked casseroles and aged cheeses, which complement the wine’s intensity and structure. The earthy flavours of Mediterranean cuisine—roasted vegetables, olives, and tomatoes—are also good partners, highlighting the wine’s fresh acidity and spicy fruit.

For the best tasting experience, serve this wine slightly below room temperature, ideally between 16-18°C. Decanting for 30 minutes can help the wine open up, revealing both its youthful fruit and deeper, savoury aromas. This will ensure that every glass expresses both the richness of the Douro terroir and the craftsmanship behind Quinta do Crasto wines.