Colheita 2009
Douro Valley
Colheita is a Vintage Tawny Port. Whereas Tawnies with an indication of age show the House style, Vintage Tawnies show the personality of the vintage year. Colheita spends its entire life in barrel until the moment of bottling. On the nose they are fresh, powerful and fruit-forward with balanced acidity. On the palate they have a nutty, oxidized character with a seductively smooth finish.
VINEYARD
The wine is produced exclusively from selected plots at the Quinta, and is a blend of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, Tinto Cão and Sousão from Quinta do Noval’s vineyard.
WINEMAKING
Grapes from the Quinta do Noval vineyard are trodden by foot to obtain the must, then during fermentation are pressed in lagares, the traditional stone vats. Legislation requires a minimum ageing period of 7 years in casks. At Quinta do Noval, Colheitas are commercialised after 10 to 12 years of maturing.
VINTAGE
In 2009 we had a wet and cold winter at Noval, springtime with little rain and a very dry summer with temperatures lower than average, except for the months of June and September. The vines were exposed to heat for a longer time during the day. Consequently, the vines preserved their leaves throughout the whole growing cycle, and an efficient distribution of water to the plant was achieved. Mild temperatures and low rainfall favored the flowering in the end of May. The ripening was early and even until mid-August, exploding after that due to high temperatures and very dry weather. At harvest the grapes were in excellent health and perfectly ripe.
TASTING NOTE
“Quinta do Noval 2009 Colheita reveals a lovely amber colour with a dark tawny core. Very intense and concentrated on the nose, it presents a harmonious mix of nuts and spices aromas. Liquorice notes come together with toasted almond and younger fruity flavours. Some citrus notes then appear combined with its freshness and velvety texture giving a rich lively wine. This 2009 Colheita is wonderful and seductive with a long finish.”
Carlos Agrellos, Technical Director
Color
Red
Appellation
Douro Valley
Alcohol
21%
Suggested Retail Price
$100