Vinha da Ponte is one of the centenary vineyard plots at Quinta do Crasto. It comprises 1.96 hectares of southeast-facing old vines planted in socalcos (dry stone terraces) at a planting density of 6,300 plants/hectare. At Quinta do Crasto, an ‘old vine’ is one that is older than forty years, whilst those in Vinha da Ponte are more than one hundred years of age. This plot, together with Vinha Maria Teresa, is the oldest on the estate.
With its special terroir, Vinha da Ponte lies amidst the fabulous mosaic of the Douro traditional terraces. The privileged southeast-facing aspect, the highly stony schist soil and the great diversity of the old, low-yield vines enable Vinha da Ponte to produce a wine that is emblematic, not only for the Douro but for the entire country: Quinta do Crasto Vinha da Ponte.
The Vinha da Ponte is also the site of careful grape growing practices designed to maintain the status quo of the ecosystem, maximising the heritage of the soil culture and all that is associated with it. The goal is to ensure the sustainability of the terrior and of the existing biodiversity.
The Vinha da Ponte plot inherited its name from a Roman bridge that runs alongside and that makes up part of National Highway 322. All of its grapes are destined for the production of the Quinta do Crasto Reserva Vinhas Velhas wine. Then, in exceptional years, the winemaking team at Quinta do Crasto opts to launch a single vineyard wine that dons the name of this charismatic plot of old vines.
