Garrafeira is the highest quality level according to the Portuguese DOC regulations after “Reserva”. In order for a wine to bear this designation, it must have been stored for at least two years (one in the cellar, one in the bottle) and must achieve a minimum score when tasted by the DOC authority. Quintas das Marias produces a Garrafeira approximately every five years. The prerequisite is that grapes are available that “fall out of line” (quote Peter Eckert). It comes from the oldest vines on the estate with the lowest yields, two thirds of the wine matured in new barriques. The result was an extremely elegant, multi-faceted wine with fine tannins and balanced acidity.