Matt Gant is a winemaker from Western Australia who previously worked in the Barossa Valley. He operated a venture called First Drop while collaborating with consultant winemaker Tim Smith in Portugal’s Alentejo region at a winery named Azamor. Gant quickly found similarities between the landscapes and grape-growing conditions in Alentejo and his home region of Barossa. His connection to the Douro region intensified when he visited with a friend, Andy Brown, who was formerly associated with the Saint Hallett winery. During their travels, they met João Pires, an aspiring winemaker from the Douro, and forged a friendship while working vintages together.
In 2015, Gant and Pires began producing wine from an old field-blend vineyard in Douro. Following their success, the Quinta de Pedra Alta winery, known for its rich history but struggling financially, came onto their radar. Gant’s school friend, Ed Woodward, who had a successful career in merchant banking and football, was encouraged to invest in this opportunity.
Recognizing the vineyard’s true potential and the chance to collaborate with João Pires, Woodward purchased the estate. Gant was appointed as a director and consultant winemaker, while Ed and his wife became the owners. The first vintage produced under the new management was in 2018.
Quinta de Pedra Alta, which spans 35 hectares in the Pinhão Valley, boasts diverse climatic zones due to varying elevations (200-550 meters) and aspects. The estate aims to produce both table wines (70%) and Port (30%), with aspirations to create more Port in the future. Gant emphasizes the uniqueness of Port, which holds cultural significance in the Douro region.
The Wines
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Quinta da Pedra Alta Pedra a Pedra Branco 2023 – 11.5% alcohol. A blend of 59% Rabigato and 41% Gouveio. Displaying bright freshness, this wine has notes of lemon and pear with a stony quality. Rated 92/100.
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Quinta da Pedra Alta Blue Steel Branco 2023 – A tight, pure wine featuring Rabigato and Donzelinho. It showcases bright acidity and vibrant lemon and lime fruit, rating 95/100.
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Quinta da Pedra Alta Pedra a Pedra Clarete 2022 – A refreshing field blend of red and white grapes, characterized by its pale color and sweet, cherry-like flavors, rated 93/100.
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Quinta da Pedra Alta Reserva Tinto 2020 – A bold red, made from 61% Touriga Nacional and other varietals, known for its ripe fruit and good balance, rating 94/100.
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Quinta da Pedra Alta Cruz 2022 – A concentrated wine from selected vineyard blocks, co-fermented for depth, rated 95/100.
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Quinta da Pedra Alta Melhor 2020 – The pinnacle of the vintage from the estate, demonstrating rich berry flavors and complexity, rated 95/100.
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Quinta da Pedra Alta No 10 10 Years Old Tawny Port – Rich, sweet with cherry notes, finishing with warm spices. It received a score of 94/100.
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Quinta da Pedra Alta Vintage Port 2020 – Concentrated and vibrant, showing deep fruit flavors and a structured finish, rated 95/100.
The Quinta de Pedra Alta project illustrates a successful collaboration in winemaking, bridging international talents and a commitment to preserving the unique heritage of the Douro Valley. For more information, visit Quinta de Pedra Alta.