Quinta do Noval : Vintage Nacional 2023

Characteristics and Tasting Notes for the Vintage Nacional 2023 Quinta do Noval

Tasting

Color
The color stands out for its very deep, almost opaque hue, reflecting the exceptional concentration of this Port.

Nose
The bouquet reveals remarkable aromatic complexity, with notes of ripe wild berries enriched by aromas of plum and blackberry. Nuances of dark chocolate and licorice round out this sophisticated olfactory palette.

Palate
The attack is dense and concentrated, revealing impressive concentration. The broad, layered tannins envelop the palate perfectly, while balanced acidity brings freshness and dynamism. The finish is long, precise and persistent.

Serving and Cellaring
The Vintage Nacional 2023 can be kept for 5 to 100 years after bottling. It should be served at cellar temperature, between 15 and 17°C. Once opened, this Port should be consumed within 48 hours.

Other Characteristics
This Port has an alcohol content of 19.5% with 99 g/L of residual sugar. Its pH stands at 3.68 and its total acidity at 4.3 g/L.

An Exceptional Port from the Legendary Nacional Plot in the Douro

The Estate
Established in 1715 in the Douro Valley, Quinta do Noval spans 145 hectares classified as Grade A. Owned by AXA Millésimes since 1993, this Douro estate is distinguished by its 6-acre Nacional plot planted with ungrafted, pre-phylloxera vines, giving rise to the most sought-after Port in the world. An industry pioneer, Noval was the first to create Late Bottled Vintage Port in 1958.

The Vineyard
The Nacional plot is the jewel of Quinta do Noval, located at the heart of the estate in the Douro Valley. These exceptional vines, ungrafted and resistant to phylloxera, produce only 140 cases of 12 bottles, representing 0.43% of total 2023 Port production. This unique plot gives rise to the most exclusive and sought-after Port in the world.

The Vintage
The year 2023 began with a warm, humid winter, followed by an exceptionally warm and dry spring. Summer was average. Budbreak took place in early March, with a slight initial delay that was quickly made up. Rainfall totaled 838 mm between October 2022 and September 2023, 198 mm above the 1970-2000 average. Flowering took place between the second and third weeks of May, while veraison began in mid-June for Touriga Francesa and Tinta Roriz, and mid-July for Touriga Nacional.

Winemaking and Aging
The Nacional plot was harvested on September 20, 2023. The Vintage Nacional 2023 was vinified using the traditional method in the Quinta's granite lagares, with foot-treading to ensure maximum extraction of aromas, color and tannins during fermentation. Aging took place over 18 months in 2,500-liter oak and chestnut casks.

Grape Varieties
This complex blend brings together the traditional Douro varieties: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa, Tinto Cão, Tinta Roriz and Sousão.