Niepoort Colheita 1997

Colheita Ports are Tawny Ports aged in the traditional 550 L Pipas for a minimum of 7 years, but Niepoort's tradition is to age Colheita Ports for a few extra years before bottling. The viticultural year 1997 was out of the ordinary. Following a fairly dry winter and a scorching February, the spring was rainy and cool until May. The long, hot, and dry summer, on the other hand, allowed for complete and optimum ripening of the grapes, resulting in rich, full-bodied, and tannic wines, some of which were of remarkable quality.

Beautiful orange tones and brick color with good depth. The bouquet and palate demonstrate the wine's maturity as a result of its extensive maturing in small old wood casks. It has candied fruit tones reminiscent of apricots and peaches, along with smoke notes and dried fruit. The mouth is quite lively, with a vivid acidity and a lot of volume. It's enveloping, with a long and satisfying finish.

These Ports go well with egg-based desserts with coffee or vanilla flavors. Other tasteful combinations include dried fruits and jams or an almond pie. It can be served as an aperitif, if slightly chilled.

Grape Variety: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinto Cão, Tinta Francisca, Tinta Amarela, Sousão, Tinta Roriz and others

Country: Portugal - Douro