2019 Quinta do Noval Late Botteled Vintage Port Unfiltered

This Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) Unfiltered Port is a remarkable example of the Quinta do Noval style. Produced exclusively with noble grape varieties from the Quinta, it is foot-trodden and unfiltered. It is aged for four, sometimes five, years in wooden barrels, instead of the two years typical for vintage ports.

Thanks in part to the perfect harvesting conditions, this beautiful, pure port was created, boasting a complexity of aroma and flavor combined with firm, well-integrated tannins. The fruit tastes very fresh with a lovely acidity. It has an intense and elegant aroma. This port is excellent to drink young, but also ages beautifully in bottle.

Port is a special wine in every respect. Its production method is absolutely unique. Fermentation of the grapes lasts only until sufficient unfermented sugar remains for flavor. Then, wine alcohol is added to a strength of around 20 degrees Celsius. Fermentation stops abruptly, and the young port wine is born. Port is just like Bordeaux wine; there are simple, basic wines and then there are "Grands Crus." The port house Quinta do Noval is such a Grand Cru, located on the Douro and Pinhão rivers, where the soil consists of slate and granite.

This port pairs wonderfully with dark chocolate, a dark fruit dessert, or soft cheeses. It's also delicious at the end of a meal.