Niepoort Vintage 2019 19.5% (37.5cl.)

After three consecutive years of low yields, 2019 returned to more balanced yields in the vineyard. Average rainfall was low in the winter months, but to compensate, the Douro, and specifically the Cima Corgo sub-region, provided. The year-round advantage of two factors: the fact that the summer months were unusually cold and, moreover, rain on the 26th -27th. August was very suitable for the fruit to ripen.

In Vale de Mendiz, the harvest began on September 2nd in good condition and the last grapes arrived in the first week of October.

Every year is remembered for different and unique reasons, and 2019 will certainly be remembered. As a year with incredible natural musts, balanced acidity and a very cool climate reminiscent of the elegant year 2008. Where the perfect conditions for the Niepoort style to flourish!

All the vines are between 80 and 100 years old. The grapes are trodden by both men and women with their feet in "lagares" (low granite vessels) to start the fermentation. Brandy is added and the port rests over the winter. During the spring, the wine is moved to a cooler location, where the final mixture is poured into the traditional 550 liter containers. Two years after the harvest, the port wine is bottled.

Niepoort:

At Niepoort, the family has been in charge of operations for five generations, and today it is Eduard Dirk Niepoort who has taken over the helm. It has always been aimed at two generations working together in the company to preserve the spirit and style of the wine. For many years, Niepoort has been famous for their classic port wines, wines of high quality with great concentration and a long shelf life.

Dirk Niepoort is a very charismatic winemaker who has his own ideas and points of view, and his main philosophy is that wines must have freshness to be interesting.

Niepoort port wine is produced from grapes that come from old vines in the Pinhão and Pisca valleys. The vines that Niepoort harvests from are more than 70 years old, and are planted in the best and most schist soil. The grapes are hand-picked in September and October, and are trodden by both men and women in lagares (low granite vats). The fermentation process is brought to an end by the addition of grape spirit, while the must still possesses large amounts of natural sweetness.

Also see:

Niepoort Vintage 2019 (75cl.) – Link  
Niepoort Vintage 2019 (150cl.) – Link