Clos des Spiritueux - Vintage Nacional 2023
Clos des Spiritueux is an iconic Porto house founded in 1715, recognized as one of the few located in the heart of the Douro Valley in Portugal, rather than in Vila Nova de Gaia. Its name is inspired by its prestigious vineyard, Quinta do Noval. Most of the estate's vines are planted with the noble grape varieties of the Douro: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, and Tinta Cão. The grapes grow on a unique terroir, mixing schist and clay soils, amid rocky formations that make the harvest particularly demanding for specialized winemakers. Since 1994, a careful replanting has been carried out to optimize each plot according to soil type, altitude, and sun exposure, thus guaranteeing the exceptional quality of the grapes. Among these plots, a small area of ungrafted vines, spared by phylloxera in the 19th century, gives the estate a rare authenticity. Since 1993, general management has been ensured by Christian Seely, also responsible for several European grand crus within the AXA Millésimes group, owner of prestigious estates such as Château Pichon-Longueville, Château Pibran, and the Hungarian estate Disznókő.
The Vintage Nacional from Clos des Spiritueux is an exceptional cuvée, made from a blend of noble grape varieties, not only Touriga Nacional as its name might suggest. This prestigious wine is composed of Touriga Franca, Tinta Cão, Touriga Nacional, Sousão, and Tinta Roriz, among the most renowned varieties of the Douro. All grapes are foot-trodden to preserve the quality of the must, then fermentation takes place in traditional stone lagares, typical of the Quinta. This great Porto then benefits from an aging of 18 months in a large old oak cask of 2500 liters, which gives it richness, complexity, and balance.
Grape varieties: Touriga Franca, Tinta Cão, Touriga Nacional, Sousão, Tinta Roriz
"An exceptional Port, from heritage vines, reflecting the pinnacle of traditional know-how and innovation at Clos des Spiritueux."
