Grape varietals
Mainly the five classic Port varieties:
Touriga Nacional
Touriga Franca
Tinta Roriz
Tinta Barroca
Tinto Cão,
all from Quinta de Ventozelo.
Vinification
Fermentation takes place in traditional lagares at the Quinta. Grapes are foot-crushed, without de-stemming: grape skins and stems are mixed with the must to extract the maximum amount of aromas, colour and flavours. When the ideal residual sugar levels are achieved, the young wine is fortified by adding 100% natural grape brandy, stopping the alcoholic fermentation and preserving the grape natural sugars.
Maturation
Barrel-ageing: 4 to 6 years in casks (550 litres) made of native oak and chestnut tree.
Filtration: None. The wine is bottled without filtration at Quinta de Ventozelo.
Tasting notes
Appearance: Deep ruby with plummy purple shades.
Nose: Black cherries, dark chocolate, vanilla and hints of mature wood.
Mouth: Dense, rich and firm with a great length of flavour.
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Reviews 89 LBV 2000: A very ripe style, with baked plum and prune aromas and flavors supported by hints of pastry crusts and dried spices. Medium to full in body, with soft tannins and a long, spicy finish. Wine Enthusiast, June 2006, Joe Czerwinski. LBV 1998: This LBV is made in a more traditional style, meaning that it can be cellared 2-4 years, it has not been filtered and may need decanting. Aromas are very attractive, recalling chocolate, plum and cherry drops. Sweet with a good tannin grip. Medium-bodied with a lingering finish. Vintages - Fine wines & Premium Spirits, September 2004. LBV 2000: Fine, porty nose. Some spice. Good weight of fruit. Clean berry fruit with reasonable length. Rich, firm tannin. Well balanced. Now. Decanter.com - World Wine Awards 2005. LBV 1998: Now on the cutting edge, after massive investment of millions of Euros, this historically-important house is producing world class product. Intense aromas of chocolate, licorice and dried fruit blast from the glass. The hugely-flavoured nectar is reminiscent of fruit cake spice, Bing cherries and black licorice. This was (full bunch) foot trodden and left unfiltered. Decant and drink with huge chunks of Belgian dark chocolate. Will warm up a cold snowy evening. Winecurrent.com, Victor Harradine. Prizes Silver LBV 2000: Decanter World Wine Awards 2007.Silver LBV 2000: Sélections Mondiales 2006 (Montreal). Commended LBV 2000: Decanter World Wine Awards 2005. Seal of Approval LBV 2000: International Wine Challenge 2006. Gold LBV 1998: Sélections Mondiales 2004 (Montreal). Recommended LBV 2000: Concours Mondial de Bruxelles 2006. Commended LBV 1998: The International Wine & Spirit Competition 2003 (UK) Silver LBV 1999: Wine Master Challenge 2004 (Estoril). Silver LBV 1999: V Concurso Nacional de Vinhos Clube do Vinho 2004 (Portugal). Gold LBV 1999: Concurso de Vinhos ACIC (Coimbra) 2004. Gold LBV 1998: Concurso de Vinhos ACIC (Coimbra) 2003. Bronze LBV 1998: Wine Master Challenge 2003 (Estoril). Diploma LBV 1998: Os Melhores Vinhos 2004 (Revista Nectar - Portugal) |
Cellarage: Store bottles on their sides in a cool place (12ºC to 14ºC) away from direct light.
Pouring: Serve at 17ºC - 18ºC. Uncork 2 hours before serving, decant carefully.
Drinking: I Perfect to enjoy now, but will mature and develop in the bottle for at least 2 more years after bottling. Once opened, consume within 30 days.
Pairing: : Serve with blue cheeses, Manchego and aged Gouda, nuts, chocolate and spicy apple pie.
