Sweet, alcohol-enhanced southern wine - Port wine
Port wine, or port for short, is a heavy and relatively sweet, alcohol-fortified southern wine. "Genuine" port wines always originate in Portugal, from a precisely defined area in the Douro Valley in northern Portugal.
In the 11th century, Henry of Burgundy had the first grape varieties planted. Later, in the 13th century, new grape varieties were planted specifically for port wine production in the so-called "Vinho de Lamego" (Lamego is a town 8 kilometres from the southern bank of the Douro). In 1678, the word "port" was used for the first time in connection with port wines, whose fermentation process is stopped by adding natural alcohol. The residual sugar that is still present in the port wines gives them their mostly sweet flavour on the palate.
Today, we divide the grape varieties into three categories. The categories are areas in which port wine is grown. One is the region around the town of Peso da Régua in the western part of the Douro Valley, the so-called Baixo Corgo, which covers 28% of the total area. Then there is Cima-Corgo around the town of Pinhão in the Alijó district, which produces a third of the Port wines, and last but not least the Douro Superior region, which stretches from São João da Pesqueira to the Spanish border.
Type categories - basic types of port wine
A port wine is categorised into different types. The main focus is on colour, quality and ageing method. A distinction is made between the basic types of port wine, which are also available in the retail trade:
White Port = This wine is made from white grapes and is aged for approx. 3 years.
Ruby Port = The word Ruby comes from the English and means ruby. This is exactly what the wine should look like. It is made from red grapes that have a strong ruby/red colour. The strong colour indicates that little oxidation has taken place in this port wine. These port wines are aged for two to three years.
Twany Port = Like "Ruby Port", this type of port is made from red grapes and is also stored for between two and three years. After this storage period, the wine is decanted into small "pipettes", which results in rapid oxidation. This gives the port wine a lighter colour. With "Twany Port", it is therefore good to know that the colour does not necessarily reveal the age of storage and can therefore be used to determine the quality.
There are the following differences in quality and ageing:
Old/Agent Twany = These port wines are stored for 10 to 40 years in a wooden barrel.
Colheita = This type of wine is stored for at least 7 years in a barrel filled with different grapes from the same vintage. After bottling, colheitas are ready to drink and no longer increase in quality.
Vintage Port = This port wine belongs to the top class. Only the best vintages are categorised as Vintage, although the declaration is not standardised, as each winery makes its own assessment and decision. A port wine that has reached the vintage level is bottled and matures further. With this maturity, each port wine receives its "deposit", which the wine needs to be able to continue maturing in a targeted manner. After at least 12 years of maturing, the vintage port is ready to drink.
Late Bottled Vintage Port ("LBV") = Like "Vintage Port", this port wine is a blend of grapes from one vintage. The difference is that "LBV" is aged for four to six years in a barrel. This category is also divided into filtered and unfiltered "LBV". The filtered port wine is immediately drinkable, the unfiltered is relatively rare and matures in the bottle. Vintage Character Port = This port wine is a blend of good vintages that do not reach the quality of the real vintage. The wine is bottled unfiltered after three years of ageing and then left to mature.
Reserve = This term gives a port wine a higher quality and can be used for any type of wine.
Garrafeira = This port wine matures for three to six years in a barrel before being bottled and matured for at least a further 8 years. Garrafeira means "bottle ageing" and can therefore also be used for other bottles.
Single Quinta = In principle, this can be any of the previously mentioned port wines. However, the most common are Vintage, LBV and Colheita. It is characterised by the fact that the grapes come from a single vineyard (quinta). This must be clearly indicated on the label.
Serving port wine correctly
In general, port wines that have matured in a bottle should not be decanted. Barrel-aged port winessuch as Twany, LBV and Colheita etc. can be decanted without any problems and will keep for a long time even after weeks when opened and can be consumed at any time. With very old port wine bottles that have been stored for a long time, you often have the problem of removing the cork without it crumbling or the deposit being stirred up. A special port wine tongs can help here.
These tongs are pressed around the neck of the bottle at red-hot temperatures and then the hot spot is briefly cooled with a cold, wet cloth. This thermal shock causes the glass to break and can then be served.
The enjoyment of port wine depends on the type. There are the following differences:
White port is served chilled with food.
Ruby ports tend to be dessert wines that are served at room temperature.
Twany Ports - Traditionally, these are served as digestive wines.
The port wine should be served in a port glass, which is very similar to liqueur and sherry glasses. The glass should be filled up to 80-140ml (maximum half!). The shape of the glass is extremely important; it should be slightly narrower towards the opening (tulip-shaped). This allows the nose to absorb the flavour better. However, there is now a trend in the producing regions to use a grappa glass for savouring. This is intended to give the port wines a special flavour.
Niepoort port wines: a masterpiece from the Douro Valley
Port wine is not just a drink; it is the result of tradition, passion and a deep connection to the region from which it comes. Among the many producers in the Douro Valley, Niepoort stands out, a winery with a history dating back to 1842. In this article, we will explore the history, philosophy and portfolio of Niepoort Port wines, which are characterised by their quality and unique character.
The history of Niepoort
The history of Niepoort begins with the Dutch immigrant François (Frederico) Niepoort, who started his journey to Portugal in the 1840s. His vision was to produce high-quality wines and sell them on international markets. Over the years, the Niepoort family has not only preserved its heritage, but has also introduced innovative techniques and processes that have revolutionised the Port wine production process.
Today, the company is run by the fifth generation, Dirk Niepoort, a passionate winemaker who is committed to combining the family's traditions with modern approaches. Niepoort stands for balance, longevity and a variety of flavours - characteristics that are expressed in every bottle.
A central theme in Niepoort's philosophy is respect for nature and the creation of wines that are authentic and reflect the characteristics of their terroir. Niepoort pursues a sustainable approach to viticulture and promotes biodiversity in the vineyards. This includes not using chemical fertilisers and pesticides, promoting ecological balance and respecting the specific microclimates of the individual plots.
Dirk Niepoort firmly believes that great wine can only be made from healthy grapes that grow in the best conditions. Therefore, the winery invests in the restoration of old vines and the care of the soil to ensure the purity and complexity of the grapes.
The product portfolio
Niepoort's port wines offer a wide range of styles and flavours to delight connoisseurs and novices alike. Here are some of the outstanding products Niepoort offers:
1. Niepoort Ruby: Niepoort Ruby is a fresh, fruity port wine that is bottled immediately after the harvest. It has intense flavours of red fruits such as cherries and plums, complemented by a fine spiciness. This wine is ideal as an aperitif or with chocolate desserts.
2. Niepoort Tawny: Tawny is a classic port wine that develops finer flavours through its maturation in wooden barrels. Niepoort Tawny is characterised by its elegant nut and dried fruit aromas, which are accompanied by a velvety texture. It is ideal with cheese and nuts, but is also often enjoyed on its own.
3. Niepoort LBV (Late Bottled Vintage): Niepoort LBV is an exceptional port wine that comes from a single vintage and is matured in barrels for several years before being released on the market. It combines the fruitiness of a vintage port with the accessibility of a more mature wine, making it a versatile accompaniment to a variety of dishes.
4. Niepoort Vintage: The Vintage Port is the flagship of the Niepoort winery and represents the quintessence of port wine production. Produced only in the best years, this wine is selected from the best grapes and is known for its remarkable ageing potential. With its complex flavours of dark berries, spices and floral notes, Niepoort Vintage has the potential to age for decades.
The flavour and the tasting
Tasting Niepoort port wine is an experience in itself. Analysing the aromas and flavours opens up a world of nuances. The typical complexity that characterises Niepoort wines is reflected in the diverse aromas that are shaped by the terroir and the specific production processes.
When tasting the different wines, you can clearly recognise the regional differences and the winemaker's signature. Sensory perception plays a central role here. The smooth texture, the balance between sweetness and acidity and the long finish are features that give Niepoort's port wines their special character.
Conclusion
Niepoort port wines are more than just a drink; they are an expression of dedication, tradition and innovative thinking in wine production. With a clear focus on quality and sustainability, the winery has earned itself a place at the forefront of port wine producers. Whether as an accompaniment to a delicious dinner or simply as a moment of pleasure for yourself - Niepoort's port wines offer the right experience for every occasion. Enjoy the journey through the flavours and stories of these unique wines, which not only delight the palate but also win the hearts of wine lovers all over the world.
