Quinta da Carolina
Perched above the Douro in São João da Pesqueira, Quinta da Carolina is a 10-hectare estate farmed with intention and restraint. João Araújo, a former chef turned vigneron, planted the terraces in the early 2000s. Today, he and his son Gonçalo farm the steep schist slopes with a transparent, minimalist approach. Their reds are among the last truly site-driven Douro wines—built on mineral structure and deep respect for place.
Farming Note
All work is done by hand. The steep, schist terraces are farmed sustainably—no herbicides, no shortcuts. Low yields and attentive canopy management reflect the rigors of mountain viticulture. These aren’t industrial parcels—they’re gnarly old plots with deep roots and deeper personality.
Winemaking
Winemaking is simple: native yeasts, minimal sulfur, no fining. Fermentations are done in concrete and old wood. The goal is clarity, not control. Gentle extractions and long macerations let the vintage shape the wine. No enzymes. No design. Just fresh, lifted Douro whites and expressive reds—no compromise.
Wines
Quinta da Carolina, 'Quinta da Carolina’, Tinto
Vintage 2019
Style Red
Region Douro
Varieties Tinta Amarela, Tinto Cão, Touriga Franca, Tinta Francisca, Rufete, Tinta Roriz, Bastardo, more
ABV 13.50%
Soils Schist
Tasting Note A field blend from 50+ year old vines, built around Tinta Amarela, Touriga Franca, Tinto Cão, and others. Dark, wild, and layered. Plum skin, warm rock, dark herbs. Great texture—structured but not stiff. Built to hold tension and drink beautifully over time.
Quinta da Carolina, Xis, Branco
Vintage 2021
Style Red
Region Douro
Varieties Malvasia Fina, Gouveio, Rabigato, Dona Branca, Viosinho
ABV 11.00%
Soils Schist
Tasting Note From 40+ year old vines of Rabigato, Malvasia Fina, Gouveio, Dona Branca and Viosinho. Fermented and aged in neutral oak and concrete. Salty, lean, mineral-driven white. Citrus skin, green almond, wet stone. No fat, just cut.
Quinta da Carolina, Elemento, Tinto
Vintage 2021
Style Red
Region Douro
Varieties Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo), Touriga Franca
ABV 11.00%
Soils Schist
Tasting Note A blend of Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca, fermented whole-cluster and aged in old wood. Lively and lithe for Douro. Herbal aromatics, red fruit, iron and spice. Quietly powerful. 11% ABV but doesn’t feel underweight—just unburdened.
Quinta da Carolina, Xisto, Amarelo, Tinto
Vintage 2019
Style Red
Region Douro
Varieties Touriga Franca
ABV
Soils Schist
Tasting Note Single varietal Touriga Franca from steep, pure schist. The most brooding of the set—black cherry, graphite, dried thyme. Serious structure with a long, grippy finish. Fermented with stems and aged in concrete. Pure Douro muscle with restraint.