Quinta do Noval : Vintage Port 2019

A delicate and fruity Vintage Port by Quinta do Noval

The estate

Archives mention the name Quinta do Noval as early as 1715. António José da Silva, a merchant at the port of Gaia in Oporto, acquired Quinta do Noval in 1894, after it had been ravaged by Phylloxera. Subsequently, his son-in-law, Luiz Vasconcelos Porto, implemented a major renovation programme on the vineyard. He notably widened the narrow dry stone terraces that shape the landscape of the Douro vineyards. Revolutionary at the time, this method made better use of space and sunlight. Painted with lime, these white terraces remain a unique feature and a matter of great pride for the Quinta do Noval estate, which is an emblematic reference for fine Portuguese wines.

The vineyard

Vintage Port 2019 stems from an exceptional terroir. The encounter between a remarkable soil and microclimate provides the ideal conditions for the production of great Port wines. On the south side of the Douro River in Portugal, the Quinta's 138 hectares of 30 to 40-year-old vines cover schist-influenced soil and are poised at altitudes ranging from 130 metres to 350 metres above sea level. The climate is dry and characterised by cool and extremely hot temperatures.

The wine

Quinta do Noval only declares exceptional harvests as Vintage Port. Known for their balance, harmony and elegance, these Vintage Ports are the fruit of exceptional terroir and a rigorous selection of the best wines in the final blend. This 2019 Vintage Port by Quinta do Noval represents 14% of the production.

The vintage

2019 was marked by a mild winter, preceding low rainfall during spring and summer which did not cause water stress thanks to relatively cool temperatures.

The low level of humidity protected the vineyard from disease. The harvest began on September 9th and was punctuated by rainy spells that salvaged the vineyard. The slightly higher yields this year led to grapes with a fresh and pleasant natural acidity. The harvested grapes have intense aromas of ripe red fruits mixed with a beautiful liveliness and silky tannins, all features that guarantee a lengthy and promising ageing potential.

Vinification and ageing

The grapes are crushed to obtain the must and then macerated in lagares, the Quinta’s traditional stone vats, to ensure the optimum extraction of aromas, colour and tannins during fermentation. The wine is aged for 18 months in wooden barrels in the air-conditioned cellars of Quinta do Noval before being bottled.

The blend

This 2019 Vintage Port by Quinta do Noval comprises a blend of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinto Cão, Sousão and Tinta Roriz.

Vintage Port 2019 by Quinta do Noval: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Quinta do Noval's Vintage Port 2019 seduces with its pure expression of fruit, its finesse and its beautiful length on the palate.

Service and storage

For an optimal tasting experience, serve between 15 and 17°C.