NV Quinta Do Noval - Porto Noval Black

Quinta do Noval is one of the most storied estates in the Douro, with records of the property dating back to 1715. The quinta has changed hands only twice in three centuries, most recently in 1993 when it was acquired by its present owners. Despite this long history, Noval has built a reputation as an innovative and independent producer, credited with introducing the first blended tawny to carry an indication of average age and the first late bottled vintage Port, released in 1958. Following a change in Portuguese shipping laws in 1986, Noval also became the first major Port house to age, blend, and store its wines entirely at the estate in the Douro rather than in Vila Nova de Gaia.

Black is a modern, multi-vintage blend drawn from classic Douro varieties including Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinto Cão, and Sousão. Roughly half the fruit comes from Noval's own vineyards, with the remainder sourced from top-rated sites across the Douro. A portion of the grapes is foot trodden in traditional stone lagares, while the rest is processed in stainless steel vats, and the finished wine is aged for about two years in a combination of oak casks and stainless steel to keep its fruit character fresh and vibrant.

The wine pours a deep, almost blackish purple and offers aromas of ripe blackberry, black cherry, and blueberry laced with a touch of black pepper and spice. On the palate it is soft and supple, medium to full bodied, with fine tannins and a finish that turns slightly toward chocolate and dried fruit. Try it alongside a firm blue cheese, spiced nuts, or a slice of dense fruitcake.