Quinta de Vargellas Vintage Porto 2012
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Portugal / Douro Valley Porto
Single-quinta, or single-vineyard, vintage Porto is produced only in exceptional years in which a general vintage is not declared. Quinta de Vargellas, celebrated as one of the top 100 vineyards in the world, has been part of the Taylor Fladgate estate for more than a century. It has the highest percentage of old vines of any quinta in the Douro, with 60% over 75 years old. All grapes undergo the traditional foot treading method, ensuring their fullest expression. Fermentation is halted by the addition of grape spirits before all the residual sugar has been fermented, creating a sweet, fortified wine. Following two years in wood, the wines are bottled unfiltered and will continue maturing for decades.
Harvest Note
Following an unusually dry and cold winter, budburst occurred in late March. Welcome rainfall in April and early May preceded flowering in May's last 2 weeks and favorable weather through July. Vines showed lower than usual vigor, resulting in smaller berries, bunches and lower yields. Véraison was inevitably later than usual. In mid-August, the grapes were still very low in sugar and with high levels of acidity. Significant and continuous ripening of the crop took place during the duration of the harvest. Picking started on September 20th at Vargellas.
Tasting Note
Pure woodland fruit aromas combine with notes of wild herbs, gum cistus and discreet hints of vanilla. The floral scents, hallmark of Vargellas, include characteristic violet along with delicate blossom notes. Clean, vibrant berry fruit flavors. Wiry tannins on the mid-palate which provide plenty of grip and an attractive touch of austerity. Wonderfully fine and harmonious.
Technical Data
GRAPES: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa, Tinto Cão, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca
APPELLATION: Douro
PH: 3.78
ACIDITY: 3.90 g/L
ABV: 20%
AGING: Two years in large oak vats
RESIDUAL SUGAR: 103 g/L
Unique Selling Points
- Taylor Fladgate vintage Porto is one of the most collectible, ageworthy Portos available.
- A single-quinta vintage Porto from one of the most revered vineyards in the world: Quinta de Vargellas
“We focus on making vintage quality from all of ourgrapes. As a result, we will produce the highest-qualityPort in every category.”
Adrian Bridge, CEO
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.
