Quinta do Noval : Vintage Port 2008

Characteristics and Tasting Tips for Quinta do Noval Vintage Port 2008

Tasting

Nose

Complex, the nose opens with ripe dark fruit (blackberry, black cherry, blackcurrant), accompanied by dark chocolate, forest floor and spices. Floral, herbal, cinnamon and black pepper notes complete the bouquet. After extended aeration, a touch of tar emerges.

Palate

On the palate, this full-bodied Port unfolds a velvety texture. The dark fruit carries through with nuances of dried fig, raisin and black pepper, supported by a well-balanced sweetness. The firm, chalky tannins envelop the palate while remaining smooth. The finish is persistent, with echoes of mint and sage.

Food and wine pairing

This Port pairs well with dark chocolate desserts, for example a fondant lifted with cinnamon or pepper. It also goes beautifully with a fig and dried fruit tart, or with a blue cheese such as Stilton or Roquefort. It is traditionally enjoyed at the end of a meal, with the cheese course or dessert.

Serving and cellaring

The 2008 Vintage Port takes time to open up. Extended aeration allows it to gain in breadth and complexity. It is destined for long cellaring.

A Quinta do Noval Vintage Port with Dark Fruit, Spices and Firm Tannins

The estate

Quinta do Noval is located in the heart of the Duriense Valley, in the Cima Corgo region, near Pinhão. Its name first appears in land registers in 1715. Owned by AXA Millésimes since 1993, it is run by Christian Seely. Its entire vineyard is classified A. The estate is also renowned for its Nacional parcel, planted with ungrafted vines.

The vineyard

The Vintage Ports bearing the name Quinta do Noval come exclusively from the estate's own vineyard, making this Port a single-estate wine. The vineyard extends over approximately 200 hectares, at altitudes between 100 and 500 metres. The soils are composed of schist mixed with varying proportions of clay. The vines are grown on schist terraces, widened by Luiz Vasconcelos Porto. This Portuguese vineyard is planted mainly with Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa, Tinta Roriz, Tinto Cão and Sousão, with a parcel-by-parcel selection.

Winemaking and ageing

Like the other Ports from the Quinta's vineyard, the Vintage Port 2008 is vinified using the traditional method. The grapes are foot-trodden in stone lagares, allowing a gentle extraction of colour, aromas and tannins.

Grape varieties

Port blend.