Niepoort Vintage 2011

2011 was a year with relatively low precipitation during the winter and a surprising flowering in March, earlier than usual. In June, the extreme heat appeared suddenly, causing some bunches to burn, especially in earlier varieties such as Tinta Barroca. Although July and August were cool months with some precipitation, in September the temperatures were high and the harvest had to be accelerated in order to avoid overripe grapes.

Low yields combined with excellent acidity and color are fundamental factors for a perfect Vintage. This 2011 Vintage follows in the line of traditional Niepoort Vintages, elegant, balanced, with great strength and concentration but always fine and delicate.

Winemaking All components of our 2009 Vintage Port wine were trodden by foot in circular granite presses in our Port wine cellar in Vale de Mendiz. As is usual in a Vintage of this quality, we include 100% stems in the winemaking. Soon after the harvest, the wines that make up the final Port wine were racked, which were then aged during the winter in barrels in the Douro region, before being transferred to Vila Nova de Gaia in March 2012. There, We did countless tastings again to discover the ideal lots for a Niepoort Vintage Port. The final batch stabilized again in barrels in our cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, until bottling in May 2013.

Tasting Notes The color of the 2011 Vintage clearly benefited from the harsh winter – with a deep ruby ​​hue, with great concentration. It has a voluptuous nose with excellent fruit, but also lots of spices and pepper. On the palate it is fresh and elegant, with a huge structure, fine tannins, great concentration and a very long finish. Once again, at Niepoort, we believe that we have created a Vintage for the coming decades…