A new vintage of wine that honors the past and toasts the future
Since its first release, Legado has become a living tribute to the dream of Fernando Guedes, who conceived this wine as a tribute to the Douro, his family’s winemaking tradition, and the passing down of wisdom from one generation to the next. The 2019 vintage has just hit the market.
On a hillside of century-old vineyards at Quinta do Caêdo, a story of passion, tradition, and vision was born. The origins of Legado date back to 2008, but its roots extend far beyond that in time. It was a wine that took time to come to life!
Fernando Guedes represents the second generation of the Guedes family at the helm of Sogrape, and with Legado he sought to embody the values and knowledge inherited over a lifetime. As one of the first three Portuguese winemakers (1956), fascinated by traditions and stories, and fully devoted to his family, he dreamed of a wine capable of capturing the essence of the Douro and conveying the values of a family business deeply rooted in this land. Thus was born Legado, a terroir-driven wine that honors the past while toasting the future.
For Fernando da Cunha Guedes, current President of Sogrape and son of Legado’s creator, the launch of each new vintage is a solemn moment: “Legado is a testament to my father’s vision, his values, and his passion for life and wine. With every bottle of Legado, we celebrate the past, live the present to the fullest, and inspire future generations to follow this path of wisdom and dedication.”
At the heart of Legado lies Quinta do Caêdo, a true viticultural treasure with 8 hectares of centuries-old vines, planted on small terraces dating back to the pre-phylloxera era that seem to defy time and gravity. In this natural amphitheater, more than 25 different grape varieties coexist, creating a living museum of Douro viticulture, where every vine tells a story.
The care and preservation of these vineyards are an act of respect for tradition and the land. Every year, horses pulling plows traverse the terraces, aerating the soil and removing weeds in a completely organic manner, preserving the balance of this ecosystem and respecting the vineyard’s natural cycle. The harvest, carried out entirely by hand, reflects this same respect and care, with picking conducted in several phases to ensure that each variety reaches its ideal point of ripeness.
In 2019, a wine-growing year marked by extraordinary weather conditions, this prudence was reflected in an even more remarkable way in the quality of the grapes, and the result is an exceptional wine.
With a deep ruby color, the 2019 Legado captivates the senses immediately. On the nose, it is intense and complex, with notes of ripe black fruits harmoniously intertwined with hints of balsamic, heather, and resin. There are also nuances of forest floor and spices that speak to the ancient soil where the vines grow. On the palate, it is an experience of texture and flavor. Dense and full-bodied, it features tannins of exceptional quality balanced by refreshing acidity. Flavors of black fruits, spices, and truffle unfold on the palate, culminating in a long and elegant finish that leaves a lasting impression.
With only about 2,600 bottles produced, Legado is more than just a rare wine—it is a masterpiece envisioned by Fernando Guedes and a symbol of Sogrape’s ongoing commitment to excellence.