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97 pts Robert Parker - Incredible nose. Sweet dark fruits but with stern, savoury, spicy earthy notes too. Fresh and bright with a hint of mint. Palate is dense and elegant with lovely sweet fruit. Amazing minty freshness here. Beautifully pure and focused with great fruit purity abd structure.
Wine Description
The Story
QUINTA DO NOVAL NACIONAL
No other vintage port attracts more attention than Quinta do Noval’s Nacional and its collectability can be partly attributed to its tiny production. Only 200 - 300 cases are produced in a declared year. This represents a tiny percentage of Quinta do Noval’s production of vintage port (between 1,200 and 5,000 cases in each declared year). Nacional’s two and a half hectares of ungrafted vines are almost indistinguishable amongst the estate’s spectacular amphitheatre of immaculate, terraced vineyards, set high above the Pinhão Valley in the Cima Corgo region of the Douro.
“This wine is a mysterious phenomenon, a magical wine produced in extremely limited quantities and only in a few years each decade. It is the expression of a terroir and confirms something that is for me a deeply held belief. The Nacional is great because of the grapes and where they come from, not because of anything particular that we do. It has a unique personality, an extraordinary intensity and, even after many years of ageing, retains an astonishing youthfulness.” Christian Seely
The precise origin of Nacional remains unknown as most of the quinta’s records were destroyed in 1981 when a catastrophic fire swept through Noval’s headquarters in Vila Nova de Gaia. Most of Noval’s vineyards were severely damaged by phylloxera when it ravaged
the Douro region during the 1880’s and 1890’s.
Along with every other grower, António José da Silva (who bought the estate in 1894) began to replant his vineyards with American vines, grafting on vinifera types. It seems that da Silva selected a tiny parcel of the quinta’s vineyards and began extensive fumigation of the soil with a sulphur solution. The first Nacional vines were planted in 1925. The legendary quality of 1931 Nacional is even more
remarkable if one takes into account that many of the vines were between four and seven years old.
The vineyard
The estate of Quinta do Noval includes about 6,000 Nacional vines, with an average age of 30 years. Rows of Nacional alternate with rows of grafted vines in a section of the estatejust below the house, with an exceptional south west exposure. The vines are planted at a density of c. 2,000 vines per acre in traditional terraces with each vine having a space of approximately 3 x 4.5 feet. Like the rest of the estate, the soil of the Nacional plot is essentially infertile schist. It is high in potash with tiny amounts of nitrates, phosphates and organic matter. Although phylloxera is endemic, Nacional vines live just as long as grafted ones: 50 years or more. Their very existence remains a viticultural mystery and triumph. Most Nacional vines are widely acknowledged as some of the best grape varieties for Port:
Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa and Tinto Cão, as well as Sousão.
What are the declared vintage years for Quinta do Noval Vintage Nacional ?
2011, 2003, 2000, 1997, 1996, 1994, 1991, 1987, 1985, 1984, 1983, 1982, 1980, 1978, 1975, 1970,
1967, 1966, 1964, 1963, 1962, 1960, 1958, 1955, 1950, 1945, 1934, 1931
Vintage 2000
The 2000 vintage in Portugal, particularly in the Douro Valley, which is known for its production of Port wines, is considered a very good to excellent vintage. This vintage is often highly regarded for both Port wines and table wines produced in various regions of Portugal. Here are some key characteristics of the Portugal wine vintage 2000:
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Quality: The 2000 vintage is generally regarded as producing high-quality wines. Both Port and table wines from this vintage are often well-balanced and have good structure.
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Port Wines: In the Douro Valley, where Port wines are produced, the vintage 2000 is considered outstanding. The conditions during the growing season were favorable, resulting in grapes with excellent ripeness and concentration.
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Aging Potential: Wines from the 2000 vintage in Portugal, particularly top-quality Ports and red table wines, are known for their aging potential. They can continue to develop and improve with extended cellaring.
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Varietal Characteristics: The vintage expressed the characteristics of traditional Portuguese grape varieties, such as Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Tinta Roriz, with rich fruit flavors and complexity.
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Longevity: Many of the wines from the 2000 vintage are still drinking well today and are considered excellent choices for those seeking mature Portuguese wines.
It's important to note that the quality and characteristics of wines can vary depending on the specific region, producer, and grape varieties used. While 2000 was generally a successful vintage in Portugal, individual wine selections and labels may have their unique qualities and aging potential. As always, for specific wines or producers, it's advisable to consult wine experts, reviews, and recommendations to make informed choices.
