A red wine in which the character of the Douro Valley’s old vineyards meets subtlety and Burgundian elegance. Dirk Niepoort created this wine inspired by the Burgundy style, favouring purity of fruit, freshness and a silky texture over power and concentration.
The nose reveals notes of cherry, wild strawberry and other red berries, complemented by floral aromas, fresh herbs, tea leaves and forest floor nuances. The palate is elegant and precise, with lively acidity, silky tannins and a subtle earthy character. The oak influence is restrained, allowing the fruit to take centre stage, while the long finish reveals lingering notes of red berries, herbs and spice.
The grapes come from old vineyards, approximately 70–100 years of age, in Vale de Mendiz, in the heart of the Pinhão Valley. This cooler, sheltered location, partially protected from heat and direct sunlight, together with its schist soils, helps preserve aromatic precision and natural acidity.
Great care is taken to ensure gentle extraction during winemaking. The grapes are fermented as whole bunches in traditional granite lagares, with fermentation completed in French oak barrels. The wine is then aged in these barrels for approximately 15 months.
Serve at a temperature of 14–16 °C; pair with roasted duck breast and cherry sauce, rabbit with wild mushrooms, or slow-braised veal with herbs.
Niepoort – A Fusion of Portuguese Wine Tradition and Innovation
Niepoort is one of Portugal’s most iconic and highly respected wine producers, crafting outstanding Port wines as well as still wines from the Douro, Dão and Bairrada regions since 1842. A family-owned winery, Niepoort is defined by vision, respect for tradition, courage, curiosity and a restless drive to explore. These qualities have shaped the Niepoort family journey for generations.
The results are born of meticulous work, but also of a constant desire for innovation, rooted in collaboration and generational dialogue. Throughout Niepoort’s history, two generations have always worked side by side. Today, the fifth and sixth generations continue this tradition, earning international acclaim for their ability to unite deep-rooted winemaking heritage with a modern, creative approach to wine.
Douro Valley – A Unique Terroir and a Home of Sustainable Winemaking
Niepoort wines originate in one of Europe’s oldest and most dramatic wine regions – the Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, schist (xisto) soils, steep mountainous landscapes and the river-shaped microclimate create ideal conditions for producing wines of character, depth and complexity.
Niepoort places strong emphasis on sustainable viticulture. Many vineyards are farmed according to organic or biodynamic principles, and winemaking is carried out with minimal intervention. Old vines, careful hand harvesting and natural fermentations allow each vintage to express its true and authentic character.
Masters of Port – And Much More
While Niepoort is globally renowned for producing some of the world’s finest Port wines, the estate is equally celebrated for its dry red and white wines, admired for their freshness, elegance and remarkable ageing potential. Iconic labels such as Redoma, Batuta, Vertente and Coche showcase the Douro’s ability to produce world-class wines beyond fortified styles.
Every bottle is a reflection of a deep connection to the land, respect for history and an unrelenting passion for experimentation.
A Philosophy Driven by Curiosity and Craft
For Niepoort, winemaking is not just about theory or technology, but about doing what you love, without fear of making mistakes. Experimenting, refining and reinventing until balance is achieved – always with respect for terroir and the wisdom of previous generations.
“It’s not machines that make the difference, but our minds.”
This is how Dirk Niepoort continues to champion Portuguese wines on the international stage: by caring for old vineyards and exploring the full potential of indigenous grape varieties. Step into the world of Niepoort – where tradition and innovation walk hand in hand.
