Quinta do Noval - Vintage Nacional 2021
Quinta do Noval is an iconic Porto house, founded in 1715, recognized as one of the few wineries located in the heart of the prestigious Douro Valley, and not in Vila Nova de Gaia, in Portugal. This estate takes its name from its flagship vineyard, the famous Quinta do Noval. Most of the vineyards are planted with noble grape varieties typical of the Douro region: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, and Tinta Cão. Grown on a complex terroir combining schist and clay soils, the vines benefit from a unique microclimate as well as the presence of rocks that make manual harvesting particularly demanding for experienced winemakers. Since 1994, a meticulous replanting has been carried out, with a precise selection of grape varieties adapted to each soil, altitude, and exposure to optimize grape quality. Among these vines, a rare and precious plot of ungrafted vines survived the 19th-century phylloxera crisis, placing this estate in an exceptional winemaking tradition. Since 1993, general management has been ensured by Christian Seely, a renowned expert who also oversees several prestigious European estates of the AXA Millésimes group, including renowned properties such as Château Pichon-Longueville, Château Pibran, and the Hungarian estate Disznókő.
The Nacional Vintage 2021 is an exceptional wine made from a selected blend of the most noble grape varieties of the Douro, and not only Touriga Nacional as its name might suggest. The blend skillfully combines Touriga Franca, Tinta Cão, Touriga Nacional, Sousão, and Tinta Roriz, which give this Porto an incomparable aromatic complexity and richness on the palate. The harvest is foot-trodden in traditional stone lagares, following ancestral methods, allowing exceptional extraction of aromas and tannins. Fermentation takes place directly in these stone vats to ensure optimal quality. This prestigious wine is then aged for 18 months in a large 2500-liter old oak cask, promoting subtle refinement and a perfect balance between power and finesse.
Grape varieties: Touriga Franca, Tinta Cão, Touriga Nacional, Sousão, Tinta Roriz
