Quinta do Noval - Vintage Port 2003
Clos des Spiritueux presents this prestigious Porto house established in 1715, which remains one of the few located in the heart of the Douro Valley, rather than in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal. This emblematic estate takes its name from its most illustrious vineyard, Quinta do Noval. Most of the vineyard's plots are carefully planted with the noble grape varieties of the Douro: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, and Tinta Cao. These exceptional grapes grow on a terroir combining schist and clay soils, where the presence of rocks surrounds the vines, making the harvest particularly delicate for experienced winemakers. A complete replanting of the vineyards was undertaken in 1994 to adapt each plot to the optimal variety according to soil, altitude, and exposure. At the very heart of Quinta do Noval, a small plot of ungrafted vines, which miraculously escaped the phylloxera disaster in the 19th century, gives a unique richness to this terroir. Since 1993, general management has been overseen by Christian Seely, a renowned expert who also supervises several European vineyards within the AXA Millésimes group. This prestigious investment group also owns renowned properties such as Château Pichon-Longueville, Château Pibran, as well as the Disznókő estate in Hungary.
This 2003 Vintage Port is made using the traditional method that has made the region famous: the grapes are gently trodden to extract an exceptional must, followed by maceration in lagares, the traditional stone vats unique to the Quinta, ensuring optimal extraction and controlled fermentation. The aging lasted 18 months in wooden barrels with a minimum capacity of 640 liters to refine this exceptional wine.
Grape varieties: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Cao, Sousão
"An intense and refined Port, with powerful aromas of ripe black fruits, intense cocoa, and subtly balanced soft spices. On the palate, it reveals a commanding structure, silky tannins, and an elegantly long and memorable finish. An exceptional vintage, ideal for extended aging."
