Quinta de Vargellas, named one of the top 100 vineyards in the world, has been part of the Taylor Fladgate estate for over a century. With the highest percentage of old vines of any quinta in the Douro, 60% are over 75 years old. Grapes are harvested from the oldest vineyard plot, which yields Vinha Velha (old vine) intensity. Grapes undergo traditional foot treading for fullest expression. Fermentation is halted by adding grape spirits before all residual sugar has been fermented, creating a sweet, fortified wine. After 2 years in wood, the wines are bottled unfiltered and will continue maturing for decades. From low yields, production is extremely limited.

96 Points
Wine Spectator
2011 vintage
98 Points
2011 vintage
Harvest Note
Winter was wetter and colder than the 30-year average. After budbreak in mid-March, a warm, wet April prompted growth. In May, dry conditions in the eastern Douro lasted until late August. Vines drew on winter ground water and bunches developed in ideal conditions. Véraison came a bit early. Mild weather in June-July changed with a heat wave in second half of June. August was hot and dry. Late August rain helped to balance ripening. In the Douro Superior, Quinta de Vargellas was the first Taylor Fladgate property to begin harvest. Grapes showed high sugar levels with excellent acidity. In Pinhão Valley, Quinta do Junco, the upper Quinta de Terra Feita, and the lower Terra Feita were picked mid-September. Long fermentations allowed complete extraction; musts displayed intense color and powerful fruit.
Tasting Note
Complex and fruity aromas of blackcurrant, plum and blackberry have dark chocolate, exotic wood, black pepper and floral notes. Expressive aromas with depth promise a long evolution. Perfectly balanced flavors are supported by dense, sinewy tannins, and fresh berry flavors linger on the long finish.
Food Pairing
Often served after a meal, alone or with cheese, nuts or dried fruits. May also be served with fine dark chocolate. Should be decanted before serving due to sediment.
Technical Data
GRAPES: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Roriz, Tinto Cão, Tinta Amarela
APPELLATION: Douro
ACIDITY: 4.55 g/L
ABV: 20.0%
AGING: 2 years in neutral oak.
RESIDUAL SUGAR: 105 g/L
Unique Selling Points
  • Old vines, single-quinta vintage Porto from one of the world's finest vineyards.
  • One of the most collectible, ageworthy Portos available.
  • Intense color and powerful fruit characters of 2011 promise a long life in bottle.

About the Grape

Tinta Amarela
Tinta Amarela makes wines with intensely perfumed aromas of blackberry and tea, bold structure, deep color and excellent depth.
Tinta Barroca
Used to make Port wines, this high yielding grape has very high sugar content, which makes wines with pronounced floral character, good structure and firm, ripe tannins.
Tinta Cão
This grape has blackberry, game and meaty aromas, and contributes longevity and exceptional elegance to the blend of Port wines.
Tinta Roriz
Tinta Roriz produces deep-colored grapes of moderate acidity which make bold wines with firm tannins, excellent complexity and distinctive resin-like fragrance.
Touriga Franca
This grape has high tannins and is very aromatic; it lends structure and balance to Port wines. It shows intense fresh red fruit, earth and flower aromas, and is very fruity on the palate.
Touriga Nacional
Touriga Nacional produces wine with finesse, body and warmth that is dark, concentrated, massively tannic and aromatic. It ages to show the complex aromas typically found in mature vintage port.
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