Fortified Flashcards
Which group was cruelly known as the ‘shippers cemetery’?
Madeira Wine Association (MWA)
1925. Wm. Hinton, Welsj & Cunha, Blandy Bros and Leacock & Co.
What are the 2 Islands within the archipelago of Madeira?
IGP and style?
2 DOP’s and styles?
Terras Madeirenses IGP & both DO’s encompasses both the inhabited isles of the subtropical Madeira archipelago: Madeira and Porto Santo (NW of Madeira).
Madeira DOP: fortified
Madeirense DOP: unfortified wines may be red, white, or rosé.
What is the ruling body governing the production of Madeira wines?
IVBAM
Wine, embroidery and Handicraft Institute of Madeira
[IV = 4 BAM]
4 Principal soils of Madeira?
Porto Santo?
Saibro: red tufa
Massapes: dark tufa
Pedra mole (soft stone): yellow tufa
Cascalho: stony soil
[SMPC]
Primarily volcanic and limestone with dry sandy soils. The Southern coastal area that is best suited for viticulture is also unfortunately the tourist hot spot.
Porto Santo was/is? known for Listrao (Palomino). NE of Madeira.
Poios?
Madeira
Basalt stone sustain terraces - they ring the island’s perimeter
Latadas?
Madeira
Traditionally vineyards are trained in a low trellising pergola system which aids to combat the dangers of fungal disease in the damp subtropical environment.
Newer vineyards are cordon trained.
Levadas?
Madeira
The traditional canal irrigation system.
Madeira rises to a high altitude (1,861m) and the perpetual cloud cover (capacete or ‘helmet’) over its mountainous interior results in abundant rainfall on the higher peaks, which feeds the levadas and makes agriculture possible.
The trading voyages of the ‘Exploration Age’ in the 16th century is what originally developed Madeira’s distinctive character and durability.
The process shipping to the tropics and then back to Madeira to develop the wines in cask has 3 references?
Back- loading
Torna Viagem ‘round trip/ return journey’
Vinho da Roda ‘rolled wine/ rocking of barrels’
The lengthy cask aging, heating, and cooling from voyage
Where did Malvasia Candida originate from? Synonym?
Where can the remaining 2ha of be found?
Crete (Candia) in the 15th Century. Malvasia di Lapari.
Spread over ‘Jardim do Mar’ & Fajã dos Padres in both cases at sea level on the south side of the Island.
Barbeito bottles the ‘Fajã dos Padres Malvasia Cândida’.
Traditionally sweeter varieties are planted on the warmer lower elevation southern island sites (Câmara de Lobos commune)
‘Malmsey’ is an English colloquialism turned synonym for Malvasia - an umbrella name for multiple varieties. ‘
In Madeira ‘Malmsey’ is best thought of as a style of wine rather than a varietal.
Most wine bottled as ‘Malmsey’ today is in fact? from where?
Malvasia de São Jorge
Introduced from Bairrada in the 1970’s and officially upgraded from ‘authorized’ to ‘recommended’ by the IVBAM in 2015? (Tinta Negra more notable elevation however?)
now accounts for 35ha mostly around the central north coast areas of Santana; São Jorge Valley (etymology) is located within this municipality.
Carcavelos DOP
Location?
Style & grapes?
Sweetening method?
1 producer?
Just west of Lisboa, Portugal. Has Suffered at the hands of suburban sprawl—only 25 hectares of vineyard remain.
The wines are fermented dry, then fortified (aguardante) and sweetened with vinho abafado (VDL?) a partially fermented must preserved with alcohol.
White: Min. 75% combined Arinto (most common), Ratinho, and Galego Dourado (rare. 6ha left)
Red: Min. 75% combined Castelão and Preto Martinho (Negra Mole)
Maximum Residual Sugar: 150 g/l
Minimum Aging Requirements: 24 months in wood and 6 months in bottle
Quinta da Bela Vista
Produced mainly from the Galego Dourado variety. 18% abv.
What is Sercial known as on the mainland?
Notable planting?
25.5ha
Esgana Cão or “Dog Strangler” because of its ferociously high levels of natural acidity. Generally, the last variety to be harvested and the least productive.
8.6ha @ 800m elevation in Jardim de Serra and 6.4ha at sea level at on the cool north coast around Porto Moniz/Seixal.
dry or extra dry styles.
Older single varietal bottlings can develop a ‘beefy’ / ‘beef stock’ aroma.
What is the 2nd most planted grape under Madeira DOP?
Verdelho 60ha
Performs best at cooler conditions and higher altitudes. Has high levels of acidity suitable for producing medium dry styles of Madeira. As a base wine Verdelho exhibits a sub-tropical, almost peachy character with a hint of lime marmalade.
4 Synonyms for Bastardo?
2 shippers of note?
Tinto. Graciosa – Azores, Trousseau – Jura, Merenzao – Galicia & Castilla y León. Cabernet Gros (FR)
As of 2018 there are only 1.34ha remaining as it is very susceptible to disease and low yielding. Can be medium dry to medium sweet.
Barbeito has access via growers to the rare remaining plantings from the north side of the Island. Release’s Riservas aged in pipe [Tres Pipes, 20 yr]
D´Oliveiras have a 1927 medium dry release. Blandy’s have a 1954 release – medium sweet?
Terrantez remaining plantings under Madeira DOP?
Producers?
Ravaged by Oidium (1851) and urban sprawl - finicky to grow. 2ha of the remaining 4ha are at Câmara de Lobo.
Branco. Medium dry- Medium sweet.
To date Henriques & Henriques release a 20yr medium dry bottling. Blandy’s do a 1978.
The 1795 vintage produced a prolific output of legendary wines from top shippers that survive to this day. Blandy’s, Barbeito, D’Oliveiras & CVM) the significance compared to the ’82 in Bordeaux?
When was Tinta Negra upgraded to a recommended variety under Madeira DOP?
2015 and may now appear on labels.
238ha accounting for nearly 85% of Madeira’s total production.
Formerly called Negramole/Tinta Negra Mole is the island’s workhorse. Capable of producing good quality wines across a wide range of sweetness levels.
Madeira DOP
4 ‘Lesser’ Recommended varieties?
Moscatel Graúdo (Moscatel-de-Setúbal/ Muscat of Alexandria) - D’Oliveira 1875 & 1900.
Listrão (Malvasia Rei/ Palomino) - Blandy’s 1977 from Porto Santo’s sandy soils.
Tinta (Tinta da Madeira)
Verdelho Tinto (roxo)
Madeira DOP
Name the most common Authorized Castas? (as opposed to Reccomended)
Complexa (Tinto)[ 33ha] is a Portuguese cross workhorse grape commonly used alongside or instead of Tinta Negra. Also red skinned it provides colour (albeit less) but with more acidity and less astringency than Tinta Negra.
Others:
Branco: Caracol, Rio-Grande, Valveirinho
Tinto: Deliciosa, Triunfo
Madeira DOP
Location & Climate?
2 biggest viticultural threats?
2 main soil types?
Extinct Volcano 1,861m high 700km from the coast of Morocco. Only 4.2% of the eruption is currently above sea level. Some believe this to be part of the lost continent of Atlantis. The winds are forced to rise and condense over the Island creating the capacete or ‘helmet’ shrouding the middle altitudes in mist.
Sub-tropical. October-March Autumn and winter rain can be torrential. Flashfloods and Oidium (1851) are the biggest threats.
Volcanic soils made up of basalt interspersed with different colour Tufa. There are 2 outcrops of limestone.
Madeira DOP
3 smaller growing areas of note from the South Side of the Island?
Jardim do Mar
Faja dos Padres - coastal platform. Malvasia Candida + Terrantez. Foot of Cabo Girão
Jardim da Serra
Madeira DOP
South side growing regions?
Calheta, Ponta do Sol, Ribeira Brava, Câmara (Cama) de Lobos (#1), Funchal, Santa Cruz, Machico
Madeira DOP
Madeira North Side growing regions?
Porto Moniz, São Vicente (#2), São Jorge (unofficial?), Santana
Porto Moniz is the most North western point of Island
What are the ‘Direct Producers’ of Madeira?
Red American Hybrids (Lambrusca?):
Isabella (R)
Jacquet/Jacquez (R)
Cunningham (R)
Became popular post phylloxera (1872) and were noted to have made good quality wines, particular in years when vinifera varieties were disease ridden. Banned for Madeira production in ‘86.
Madeira
Vinfiying preference between styles?
no skin maceration for drier wines.
Sweet & Med Sweet Styles:
Full maceration on skins takes place in auto-vinificators.
Madeira DOP
what abv % are sweeter styles fortified at?
abv % of fortification?
min. abv % for wines under DOP?
Arrested at 5-6% abv for sweet wines, and a little higher for dry wines.
All Madeira’s are fortified with a 96% abv neutral grape spirit/brandy from France/Spain up to 17-22% abv.
Madeira DOP
Rainwater
aging req?
degree of sweetness req?
colour req?
Maximum 10 years.
Meio Seco/ Medium dry: 1 to 2.5 Baumé = 50-75 g/L
Colour between pale and golden (lighter in style..)
Name as it reads and/or because of the singular softness on the palate. Common US labelling term these were typically in the style shipped to the US in the 18th century – short aging in wood with limited oxidation.
Madeira DOP
Colheita/Harvest req?
New category since 2000.
Vintage must appear on the label. A single variety or blend of varieties from the list of recommended grapes may be used.
Minimum 5 years October 31st. Effectively an early bottled ‘Frasqueira’ or vintage wine.
Madeira DOP
Frasqueira req & evaporation expectations?
2015 amendment?
aka Garrafeira (‘wine vault’)
Single (rec.) grape variety
Vintage must appear on the label.
20 years in wood (can expect to lose up to 50% in evaporation).
As of 2015
Date of bottling must be included on the label – although many have done prior (all styles?). It is not uncommon for some shippers to bottle Frasqueira’s at different stages – say 20 and 40 years of pipe aging.
Madeira DOP
Solera req?
A single grape variety (from the recommended varieties) and vintage of the base wine must appear on the label.
Min. 5 years in the solera, after which 10% may be drawn off each year for a maximum of 10 additions.
Omitted in the ’86 EU changes and then redefined in ’98 – yet to be any releases as the definition has been shunned by the shippers.
Historically traditional Solera was more of a lote system rather than fractional blending.
Madeira DOP
Age Indication req?
5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, and Over 50-Year-Old.
Age is a style-indication and is assessed by a tasting panel. Over 20 is rare as they become applicable for frasqueira
Madeira DOP
Who invented the Estufagem process?
how does it work?
temperature?
resting peroid?
aging req?
Pantelião Fernandes in 1794. Estufagem is the process. Estufa is the tank.
wine is heated to a temperature of 45-50° C (113-122°F) in large tanks (estufas) and held there for at least three months for a slow caramelization of the sugars.
Once the Estufagem process is completed, the wine enters a period of rest (estágio) for a min. 90 days before being transferred to cask for aging.
(Generally, it is considered that 3 months in a Estufa equates to 2 years in wood).
May be bottled after 12 months from the conclusion of the estufagem process; they still must observe the Madeira DOP release date of October 31 of the second year after the harvest.
Madeira DOP
Canteiro Process?
Aging req?
Aging pipa/lodge pipe/drum: not set size and range 450l-650l; 600 is very common.
Typically, pipes start on the highest and warmest level where evaporation at its highest and then move to a middle and lower level gradually and different intervals (Barros e Sousa). Sometimes this may be different locations and elevations entirely (eg. Barbeito).
2 years in wood, and may not be bottled for 36 months after the final fortification.
However the best Canteiro’s will remain in cask for 20 years+
Madeira Shipping Pipa/Pipe
418l for a SHIPPING PIPE
There is no standard measure for aging pipa/pipe although they usually have a capacity from 550-650l. Comes down to producer
Traditionally what are the 3 companies involved in the Madeira wine trade?
Production companies: Make the wine, and most are based in Funchal, Madeira’s capital.
Shipping companies: Trade wine, rather than make it, and are usually based in London. A shipper will select wines from a producer, who will then bottle the wine under the shipper’s brand (Broadbent Selections is an example).
Partidistas: Store wine and sell it at maturity to other traders for a profit, make up the third category. Partidistas are similar to the almacenistas of the Sherry trade.
Estufagem min. aging req?
Canteiro min. aging req?
May be bottled after 12 months from the conclusion of the estufagem process (min. 3m); they still must observe the Madeira DOP release date of October 31 of the second year after the harvest.
2 years in wood, and may not be bottled for 36 months after the final fortification. (Frasqueira: min. 20 years in wood)
Armazéns de Calor
Process?
Producer?
A more delicate variation on the Estufagem.
Wines in either wooden casks or lodge pipes are aged in ‘armazéns de calor’ rooms warmed by nearby tanks or steam pipes rather than the direct heat of the estufa.
This variant technique used exclusively by the Madeira Wine Company (In Funchal), utilizes lower temperatures over a longer period of time—usually 6 months up to one year.
What is the body that regulates the harvesting and production methods of Madeira wines?
IVBAM
The Wine, Embroidery and Handicraft Institute of Madeira
What is the IGP for the production of un-fortified & dry wines from Madeira & Porto Santo?
varieties and styles of production?
Terras Madeirenses IGP
Branco: Verdelho, Arnsburger (Riesling crossing from Geisenheim)
Rosato & Tinto wines from: Touriga Nacional, Aragonez, CS, Tinta Negra and Syrah.
Rarely exported.
Madeira DOP
Which of the 8 Shippers is the largest independent producer?
Vineyard of note?
Henriques & Henriques
Est. 1850 but the Henrique family were already large landowners. Largest independent producer and owns significant vineyard holdings as opposed to others (Quinta Grande - South side just west of Funchal).
Same ownership as Justino’s although managed as independent companies.
Originally started as a partidista and then started bottling under their own name in 1912 when the 2 sons took over.
Quinta Grande: 10 ha of Verdelho (2nd) at 700m, largest single vineyard on the Island. Also, the first to be fully mechanized.
‘In Madeira there are only two names…’
Madeira DOP
Which is the largest shipper?
Vinhos Justino Henriques/ Justino’s
1870 by Justino Henriques as ‘Vinhos Justino Henriques’. Same ownership as H&H but managed as independent companies.
Significant holdings from a number of now defunct shippers such as Companhia Vinicola da Madeira CVM. Own no vineyards, buy fruit from over 1,000 growers.
Largest shipper/producer – responsible for half of madeira’s exports.
Also bottle the ‘Broadbent’ label (son of Michael Broadbent). Majority of their production is for the export market.
Madeira Wine Company/MWC (fmr. MWA)
5 exporters/prodcuers/brands?
Blandy’s (Controlling Interest) - more prestige
Leacock
Cossart Gordon (est. 1745) - more prestige
Miles - rebranded exclusively for Tinta Negra
Shortridge Lawton (Known for Vinho da Roda - now brand discontinued?)
Madeirense DOP
What is the #1 selling wine under this appellation?
Atlantis Rose by MWC
100% Tinta Negra, Most of the grapes come from the warmer, south side of Madeira – Câmara de Lobos. Searing acid but balanced with a few grams of RS (7’ish?). Around 10.5% abv.
Blandy’s (MWC)
Origins & significance?
3 wines of note?
1811, John Blandy from Dorset. Now 7th generation. Purchased significant stocks during the Oidium crises (1851) of the 1850’s off bust shippers.
Duke of Clarence is their largest and most well known brand.
Blandy’s MCDXIX (1419): Commemorates the discovery of Madeira by Joao Gonclaves Zarco in 1419. Magnums only.
A Blandy’s Boal 1792 Solera was taken on board the HMS Northumberland with Napoleon when he was exiled to St Helena
Leacock (MWC)
namesake vineyard and range?
Joined the MWA in 1925. Blandy family acquired their shares after the 1974-75 revolution. The original Alto de Pico de Sao Joao vineyard (5.2ha?) is namesake of their most well-known range ‘St. John’ in rich and dry styles from Tinta Negra (ntbc: Commandaria).
Madeira DOP
Oldest Shipper?
style of note?
Holdings of note?
Cossart Gordon (1949 - MWC)
Est. 1745, Gordon was Scottish & Cossart - who arrived later, was Irish.
Oldest surviving shippers of Madeira wine.
Typically, slightly drier in styles comparative to Blandy’s as their main market was the US while Blandy’s was the UK (although still were active in the UK). The comparative drier distinction from Blandy’s has been maintained under MWC.
Casa Torre Bella vineyards, near Camara de Lobos.
Russel Manners Gordon married the Countess of Torre Bella in 1857; and in doing so had to adopt Portuguese nationality losing his British Nationality and partnership in the firm Cossart, Gordon & Co.
Which Madeira Shipper is the biggest in the Japanese market and whose importer is a a shareholder?
4 bottlings/holdings of note?
Barbeito
1945, Mario Barbeito formerly of CVM. Now 3rd generation. Kinoshira are their Japanese importer & SH.
Since the 90’s their market style of power and pungency has been redefined by purity and integrity.
Source Bastardo from growers on the North part of the Is.
‘Fajã dos Padres’ Malvasia Cândida & Terrantaz?
Colheita from a numbered lotes.
Ribeiro Real/ RR Bottlings (fmr Favila family estate)
Madeira DOP
Second oldest Shipper?
D’Oliveira
1850. Currently 5th generation. Like others incorporates a series of rather old firms dating back to 1820 right up to 2013 with the acquisition of Barros e Sousa (botteled and marketed separately).
Only began exporting in 1986. No longer own vineyards, buy fruit from over 100 growers. 70-80% of production is Tinta Negra.
Their dated wines are powerful and concentrated due to long cask aging – often with a charming rusticity.
Have older, rarer Moscatel Graudo (sweet?) bottlings. 1875 & 1900.
Madeira DOP
Which producer was technically a partidista up until 2013?
Barros e Sousa
Funchal. Est 1920’s.. Bought by D’Oliveira’s in 2013 prior had never been registered as a shipper and were technically a partidista and thus only supposed to sell wines on the island hence their slight illusiveness.
Epitome of Artisinal and small production. Less than 300 cases a year. Own no vineyards but long-term contracts with growers. Owned no press (used neighbouring D’Oliveira’s). Fermented in old casks in the courtyard. No stainless steel, no temperature control, no filtration and definitely no estufa (some labels advertise this with a reward to prove otherwise). All aged in pipe in 3 storied lodge: 10 years on the top floor, 30 years on the middle, before finally the bottom. 40–100-year-old Pipes, encrusted with tartrates – never washed and only ever used for the same varieties. Hand bottled and stencilled ‘ABSL’ for Artur Barros e Sousa. Some wines can have a rusticity to them, although not surprising given the style. Yet to be seen if D’Oliveira alter the style.
Notably have maintained bottlings from the rarer varieties such as Terrantez, Moscatel, Bastardo and Listrao (Palomino) from Porto Santo.
Madeira DOP
Newest Shipper?
Madeira Vintners
Starting as a farming co-operative (CAF) in 1951 faced with a surplus of stocks they decided to transition into a shipping as well in 2012 (newest in 80 years). Adega at Sao Martinho.
The company’s all-woman team - viticulturists and winemaker.
Focus on high quality 3-year-old and 5-year-old Madeiras and single harvest Colheitas, including Listrão sourced from Porto Santo. Made in a lighter, fresher style with lovely clarity of fruit and purposefully made with a lower alcohol content.
Madeira DOP
What Brand under MWC is now a specialist? expand?
Miles (MWC)
1814. Joined the MWA in 1949 also. Smallest of the 4 main brands within MWC. Rebranded exclusively for varietal wines from Tinta Negra; aged blends and frasqueira. Older bottles under ‘Rutherford & Miles’ occasionally resurface.
- Frasqueira Tinta Negra ’95, ’96, ’99, ‘00 - all rich
Tinta Negra was elevated to rec. varietys in 2015.
Madeira DOP
Extra seco/ Extra dry?
Seco/ Dry?
Meio Seco/ Medium dry?
Doce/ Sweet/ Rich?
note only the Baumé is regulated and NOT the RS
Boh-May: unit of measurement for the amount of sugar in grape juice and fermenting wine
Extra seco/ Extra dry: Less than 0.5 Baumé = 0-15 g/L
Seco/ Dry: Less than 1.5 Baumé = 20-50 g/L
Meio Seco/ Medium dry: 1 to 2.5 Baumé = 50-75 g/L
Meio doce/ Medium sweet/ Medium Rich: 2.5 to 3.5 Baumé = 75-100 g/L
Doce/ Sweet/ Rich: Above 3.5 Baumé = 100 g/L
Drier Madeira’s are best served cool or slightly chilled at 6-8. 18-20 is best for the sweeter style.
Madeira DOP
Lote?
Cartola?
Arrobo?
Armazem?
A ‘Lot’ or parcel of wine, the basis or part of a blend.
‘Top hat’ A 100l barrel that sits on top of the conteiro; naturally it develops much faster. Barbeito bottles some?
Boiled down must used for sweetening.
Warehouse or wine store
Madeira DOP
Multi vintage blends most contain how much of/if variety stated?
Vintage statements?
85%
100%: Frasqueira & Solera.
If Stated Colheita’s also - but Colheita’s can also be blends.
(The DOP however does default to EU requirement of 85% though…)
When, How and Who was repsonsible for demicrating the Porto wine region?
What is the name of the boundary markers? how many are there?
What was the status known as and what did it mean?
1756, Via the state-controlled monopoly company ‘Real Companhia’ / Companhia Velta, today known as Real Companhia Velha - oldest producer (aka. Royal Oporto)
Marquis of Pombal
Marcos Pombalinos - granite stone pillars erected to mark the boundaries. 335.
‘feitoria’ status, signifying fruit reserved for the (better paying) English market.
When was Porto DOP created?
ha under vine?
argument for oldest appellation?
1986 - joined the EU.
45,000 ha.
While the boundaries of the Chianti and Tokaji wine regions were outlined in 1716 and 1737, respectively, neither of these regions were “technically” appellations in the sense of being subjected to continued government control and regulations.
What Historical event gave rise to Port?
Who is supposidly said to have created fortified Port?
Trade embargoes with France during the ‘Nine years war” (1688-1697)
Formalised in the 1703 Treaty of Methuen’ trade agreements with Portugal (Discount on English textiles for a 1/3rd less tax on Portuguese wines comparatively to French) because of the ‘Spanish Succession War’ (1701-1714) at the end of the 17th and turn of the 18th century resulted in a boom for sales of Douro wines.
Apprently it was the abbot of Lamego fortifying his wines with brandy during the fermentation rather than at the end as was the norm of the time. Discovered by 2 Englishmen in 1678.
Porto DOP
4 most planted red vareities?
1 Touriga Franca/Touriga Francesa: ‘fran-chay-za’. Lighter and more perfumed than Nacional adding finesse to the wine
Porto DOP
4 most planted white vareities?
1 Síria/Codega
#2 Malvasia Fina
#3 Moscatel Galego Branco (Moscatel do Douro prod. Favaios)
#4 Rabigato
Porto DOP
Climate, Terroir, Mountain range?
Soils?
Continental climate of severely hot summers and cold winters when temperatures often dip below freezing.
The Porto growing region stalks the Douro River and Serra do Marão (Say-ha da-ma-ro) mountains 70 miles long all the way to the Spanish Border (Río Duero) that provides a barrier and rain shadow effect from the Atlantic’s cooler more humid influence.
80-800m elevations, all sorts of exposures.
Topsoil of Schist and silt weathered Schist over Granite bedrock.
Porto DOP
Name 2 types of the most traditional vineyard system?
Socalcos: The original stone terraces. With high walls and a FLAT vineyard surface - 1 or 2 rows per terrace . Minimizes erosion – the region’s biggest problem. 50% of Porto’s vineyard are planted on traditional unmechanised Socalcos.
New Socalcos; late 19th Century. Bigger terraces still planted on the contour but on gentle sloping vineyard surface for much greater density
Porto DOP
Common trellising methods?
min. planting densitys?
The single or double guyot and unilateral and bilateral cordons are the methods most frequently used for training.
Minimum Planting Density: 4,000 vines per hectare (Vines planted before 1998 or vines on patamares have a minimum 3,000 vines per hectare.)
Porto DOP
What was the commericalised vineyard system that was intorduced in the 60’s?
Patamares: Developed in the 1960’s are more economical earth banks instead of vertical stone walls.
Can be single or two row Patamares.
Erosion is always an issue. Are considered the least effective for quality. Can be navigated by tractor/ mechanisation. New generation Patamares are being trialled – Fladgate since ’02.
Porto DOP
What is the most modern vineyarding system?
1 producer?
Vinhos ao Alta
A newer system. This up and down planted vertical planting is limited to earthern slopes of less than around 35% but is more efficient in regards to slope surface and thus vine density is higher than patamares. Erosion remains a risk on higher gradients, as does the ability to successfully operate tractors.
Sandeman’s Quinta do Seixo on the Rio Torto utilises vinhos ao alta on all but its steepest slopes.
Porto DOP
3 viticultural challanges?
Despite the seemingly arid conditions oidium and mildew which arrived in the 19th century are rampant and controlled by sulphur dusting and systemic sprays.
Botrytis bunch rot is also endemic throughout the region
What is moromba?
Moromba - curling and drying of the leaves. (Douro synonym)
This condition is caused by the soils that are
fairly acidic (pH 4.6-5.5), high in potassium but low in calcium and magnesium.
Originally thought to be a virus this is now successfully treated by applying borax to the soil.
Name a Vinho Licoroso style permitted under Douro DOP?
Location & producer?
Moscatel do Douro (fortified) sometimes referred to as Moscatel de Favaios.
Moscatel Galego Branco/ Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains is mostly found on the plateaus around Favaios (Cima Corgo, North)
Adega De Favaios is a co-operative in the region.
Douro synonym for Palomino?
Douro synonym for Godello?
Malvasia Rei (Permitted)
Produces large quantities of bland wine.
Gouveio (Authorized/Reccomended)
Low yielding but produces aromatic wines with high acidity, prized for white port and dry Douro whites.
What Porto DOP Branco variety tranlsates as ‘Cats Tail’?
What Porto DOP Branco variety tranlsates as ‘Dog Strangler’?
Rabigato
Sercial/ Esgana Cão
Name 7 other Porto DOP Authorized/Reccomended Branco varietys?
Arinto (Pedernã)
Cercial
Donzelinho-Branco
Folgazão
Malvasia Fina
Verdelho
Viosinho - shows potential
Name a surprising Fench variety authorized for Porto DOP production?
Semillon
Name 8 Porto DOP Authorized Tinto varieties that dont begin with Touriga or Tinta?
Bastardo, Castelão, Cornifesto, Donzelinho Tinto, Malvasia Preta, Marufo, Rufete
Name 5 Porto DOP Authorized Tinto varieties that begin with ‘Tinta’?
Tinta Roriz/ Aragonez
Tinta Barroca
Tinta Francisca
Tinta Cão / Tinto Cão - ‘red dog’
Tinta Amarela/ Trincadeira
Name 2 Qintas with notable plantings of (Tinta de) Barca?
Quinta de Vargellas (Taylors)
Quinta dos Canais (Cockburns)
Distinctive, concentrated styles of wine.
Name 2 varieities that historcially have been prized for their colouring benefits in Port production,
Alicante Bouschet (Teinturier) was favoured by the British Shippers.
Sousão (Vinhão in Minho) was historically used by the Portugese shippers (permitted as opposed to authorized?)
Not a Teinturier varieties but skins so dark it gives impressions the juice is red also. Also, naturally very high in acidity – another reason it was prized. There are 3 variants within the Douro. Makes for 25% of Qunita do Noval’s ungrafted ‘Nacional’ vineyard.
Name a fruit that was forbidden by law to be added to Port and punishable by death?
Elderberry juice (baga) from the Elder Tree.
AKA Tabuaço grape – as they grow prominently around the village of Tabuaço.
Even having an Elder Tree planted in the vicinity of a vineyard was considered a crime; many people were even imprisoned upon suspicion. Also known as T
Porto DOP
Abv% requirments?
Min. RS?
Max Yields for branco & tinto?
19-22% abv
min. 17.5 g/L RS.
Branco max. 65 hl/ha
Tinto max. 55 hl/ha
What does the IVDP stand for?
What do they do?
Douro Port Wine Institue
Supervises production (& volume via beneifico) & promotion while guarenteeing label integrity, age designations and samples for authenticity.
What is “lei do terço”?
“law of the third”
A decree restricting sales of Port to one-third of a house’s total inventory annually.
What is “beneficio”?
Licensing System for production
Is the maximum amount (%) of wine that may be fortified in a given year—based on the vineyard matrix scores. The higher the grade the higher the percentage
What are the 7 Soil & Climate factors of the Porto DOP vineyard matrix?
Location
Altitude
Slope of land
Bedrock
Rough matter
Exposure
Shelter
What are the 5 agricultural facotrs of the Porto DOP vineyard matrix?
yield,
variety
planting density
training system
age
Porto DOP
Vineyard matrix tiers & corelating points of relative levels?
Max. points?
Grade A Vineyard max. yields
A-I (9)
6:
A >1200
B between 1001 and 1200 points
C between 801 and 1000 points
D between 601 and 800 points
E between 401 and 600 points
F between 201 and 400 points
G or lower may not produce Port
Max. 2,031
approx. 21hl/ha (depending on vintage) must for fortification (standard red: 55 hl/ha, white 65hl/ha)
What are Roga?
Port
Is the name for a gang of pickers
What are Cestos?
Port
The traditional coarse woven baskets used to harvest fruit, commonly with a capacity of up to 75kg.
What are the rough dimensions and capacity of a traditional Lagar?
80cm-1m in height with a varying capacity between 15-25 pipes (8,000-14,000l).
Traditionally it is said it takes 2 people per pipe, 4 hours to tread effectively.
Unlike traditional red wine production post fermentation maceration varies up to 48 hours or less - hence the vigorous extraction of lagares.
What are Macacos?
Port
‘Monkey Sticks’ are paddles used to plunge the cap back into the fermenting must aid extraction and prevent drying out.
Name 2 modern alternatives to the traidtional Port lagar?
Autovinifer/ Ducellier System (1960’s, Algeria)
Utilises the natural build-up of carbon dioxide gas to pump fermenting wine over the cap re-enacting the high level of extraction traditionally achieved by foot crushing.
Robotic Lagares/ Automated treading machines (90-00’s)
Piston Fermenters (aka ‘Port-toes’) - David Guimaraens (Fladgate)
Robotic Plungers - Symington’s and Noval
How long does Port fermentation generally take?
Desired abv?
2-3 days
5-9 % abv
What is the Portuguese term for ‘mutage’ in Port production?
at what stage does it take place (%’s) ?
ratio?
Beneficio
When approx. one-third of the sugar content (approx 5-9%) has been converted to alcohol the wine is fortified to 19-22% abv by the addition of aguardente.
“burning water” is a 77% abv neutral grape spirit.
1:5- 1:4 ratio / 115l aguardente: 435l wine = 550l pipe; with 80-120 g/L RS and an alcoholic strength of 19-20% abv.
[Port Pipe as opposed to a Shipping Pipe]
When did the IVDP change the law on Aguardente?
How has this affected the product?
Where is most of it sourced today? why?
In 1992 with the law changed allowing producers to use their own aguardente and since there has been a shift in quality.
Aguardente of the past was fierier and more robust.
Some insight is that some spirit aldehydes are an important and that too neutral spirits can have a negative effect. Others note that better aguardente brings minerality to wines.
Alternatively for white and rose style of Port the most neutral spirit is desirable and forms a significant part of the cost of these wines as it is the most expensive spirit.
France. It takes 7 litres of wine to produce 1 litre of quality neutral spirit – it is a specialised industry. The Douro is an expensive region to produce grapes and thus it is not economically viable to be produced locally and thus is outsourced.
How can sweetnes be adjusted in Porto DOP production?
Jeropigas / Geropiga
Small amounts of white or red wines are fortified almost as soon as fermentation begins to maintain there sweetness. These are specifically for blending adjustments at a later stage.
Jeropigas are produced all over Portugal and are a category in their own right.
Porto DOP
What is the name of the traditional transport boat?
Barco Rabelo - shipped Douro pipes (550l) from Pinhão in the Cima Corgo downriver to Vila Nova de Gaia, a suburb of Oport with bonded warehouses (‘untill ‘86). Cooler for 1-2% evaporation.
The Douro being warmer evaporation/ angels share is thought to be 3%+ depending on site?
What is Porto Branco Leve Seco?
min % abv?
RS range?
light, dry white port wine
min. 16.5% abv (as opposed to 19-22%)
17.5 g/l - 65 g/l (all ports must be min. 17.5 g/l)
no aging req.
Porto DOP
Reserve req?
Fmr term?
Reserva/Reserve
Term implies greater quality when used for “Ruby” Port but it does not carry any minimum aging requirement.
Fmr. ‘Vintage Character’.
(eg. Grahams ‘Six grapes Reserve Porto’ - ruby style)
If accompanied by the term “Tawny” or “White” the wine must have been cask-aged for at least 7 years.
(eg. ‘Dona Antonia’ Reserva Tawny)
Late-Bottled Vintage Port
aging req?
additonal ageing term?
superior second style?
who created the style?
min. 4-6 years max in cask prior to bottling.
‘Envelhecido em Garrafa’ for additional 3 years in bottle.
‘unfiltered’ or ‘bottle matured’ - will continue to develop in bottle.
First bottled by Quinta do Noval LBV 1958 (unfiltered).
Vintage Porto DOP
When may the wines be sold?
When must they be bottled by?
Wines may be sold from May 1 of the second year after harvest.
Wines must be bottled by July 30 of the third year after harvest.
Must be authorized by the IVDP.
(SQVP falls under the same category and thus requirements)
[1.5 & 30.7]
Colheita Port aging req?
Tawny wines from a single vintage aged in cask for a minimum of 7 years (often much longer).
Two dates appear on the label: the year of harvest and the year of bottling.
Grahams label their’s as ‘Single Harvest’.
Warres Otima ‘Single Year’
Porto DOP
Garrafeira aging req?
Translates to bottle cellar, private wine cellar or bottle rack in Portuguese.
Wines that are aged in cask for at least 4 years, maximum 8 years, with an additional minimum 15 years in a glass container.
The latest Niepoort Garrafeira release is from 1987, though 1983 and 1977 vintages have also been bottled. An 1863 in Lalique decanter is the most expensive bottle of Port ever sold – HK 1.054m.
Porto DOP
2 Additional labeling terms for aged Tawny statements?
Wines that are 10 or 20 years old may be labeled “Velho” (Old)
wines that are 30/40 or 50 years old may be labeled “Muito Velho” (very old).
What is ‘poor mans vintage port’?
Bottling requirement?
additional labelling term?
AKA Crusted Ports - speciality of the British houses.
A blend of wines from two or three harvests (practically speaking these are often leftovers).
Bottled, like a vintage Port, without any fining or filtration. A Crust must be formed?
The word ‘vintage’ may not appear. The only significant date on the label is the year of bottling.
May be released anytime after bottling; those with 3 years in bottle may label as ‘Bottle Matured’.
Most crusted Ports are ready to drink with five or six years of bottle age and will last for another decade; the best can age nearly as long as a full fledged vintage port.
Porto DOP
VVO / VVOW meaning?
VVO (Very Very Old): For wines over 80 years old (Cannot have an age statement on the bottle just VVO/W)
Porto DOP
Ruby style service temperature?
Tawny style service temperature?
Best served room temperature 18-20°c.
Best served cellar cool 12-16°c
Baixo Corgo
Summary and geographical span?
Name one Grade A listed Quinta?
The Baixo Corgo (Lower Corgo) is the coolest, wettest & most productive with the highest density of vines. Often for inexpensive ruby and tawny.
Stretches from Vila Real (city) down the Corgo River to the historical centre of Baixo Corgo, Peso da Régua where the tributary flows into the Douro. From here the vineyards stretch south as far as Lamego, and further West.
The stretch from river Corgo to Ribeira de Temilobos indicates a transitional climate area and although technically Cima Corgo this sub-region is still officially Baixo Corgo; and locally a topic of much debate.
Quinta da Foz de Temilobos
Temilobos, Grade A. Delaforce family?. 7ha, some Tinta Cao planted. Mostly Douro DOP production? – bottle their own wines under the Quinta name.
[E A O I U]
Cima Corgo
Geogrpahical span?
5 tributaries of note, west to east?
From the Ribeira de Temilobos (River) and Ribeira de Covelinhas to the Douro Superior boundary of Cachão de Valeira (dam).
Tedo, Távora, Torto, Pinhao & Tua
Quinta do Vallado
Top Douro DOP wine?
1716, Baixo Corgo (B/C). 6 generations of the Ferreira family, remains owned by them today. Seperate from Sogrape?
Adelaide top Douro Dop wine made from old vines (some 100+) from a different vineyard upstream of the Rio Torto River, Cima Corgo.
Which Douro Quinta has ties to Burgundy France?
Quinta do Tedo
Vila Seca, Cima Corgo, Grade A. Vincent Bouchard, a scion of the Burgundian Bouchards.
Name a Grade A Quinta in the Cima Corgo that focuses more on Douro DOP?
Co-lab wine of note?
Quinta do Crasto ‘Fort’
Roquette married Jean-Micahel Cazes of Lynch Bages.
They operate a collaboration label Roquette & Cazes.
‘Xisto’ (schist) is their top wine from Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Tinta Roriz.
Douro Superior
Official starting point?
Lay of the land?
Cachão de Valeira marks the boundary between the Cima Corgo and the much more continental Douro Superior.
Warmest & most arid district, largest in physical size and relatively flatter with most promise of mechanization (13% of prod.).
Pochino to Barca d’Alva is the hottest part of the Douro and can reach 50c+ in summer. Barca d’Alva is just over 1km to the Spanish border.
What is the most easternmost of all the historical Douro quintas?
Quinta do Vale Meão “may-oh”
Pocinho (A&B), Douro Superior. Built by Dona Antonia Ferreira in 1896; today remains in descendants.
Historical home Quinta of Barca Velha up until the mid-90’ before being completely transferred to Quinta da Leda (Ferreira, Sogrape) in 2001.
The name originates from Ponto Barca Velha (Point of the old Boat) marked on Forrester’s 1848 map where the Quinta is located?
Quinta do Vale de Meão Douro DOP his top wine from Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz and Tinta Barroca. French Oak.
Oldest wine company in Porto DOP (and Portugal)?
Additional label?
Single Quinta of note?
Real Companhia Velha (eng: Royal Oporto)
Orignally a Government organisation established in 1756 by Marquis of Pombal to regulate the trade and production of Port wine. 2nd largest landowner in Port DOP after the Symington’s.
Purchased Delaforce in 2008.
Quinta das Carvalhas (600 ha): Grade A vineyard located on the south bank of the Douro in Cima Corgo. Contains pre-phylloxera vines up to 100 years of age. Single Quinta VP, Tawny, Reserves, All ranges etc. Covers entire hill opposite Pinhao.
Which 5 producers are repsonsible for 80% of Port’s sales by volume?
The Big 5
Symingtons Family
Porto Cruz
Sogrape
Fladgate Partnership
Sogevinus
Who is the largest landowner in the Douro?
5 Porto DOP estates?
2 Douro DOP estates?
Symingtons Family- Member of Primum Familiae Vini
Warre’s (1908 & 60)
Dow’s (1912 & 61)
Graham’s (70)
Quinta do Vesuvio (89)
Cockburn (2010)
Quinta do Ataide
Prats & Symington (98)
Grahams
SQVP?
House Style?
Quinta dos Malvedos (A), at the mouth of the Rio Tua, Cima Corog. Robotic lagares. SQVP & The Sone Terraces SQVP
Stylistically Grahams fermentation is arrested a little bit sooner leaving it sweeter and richer (as opposed to Dows).
The Tawny is also aged in traditional 550L port pipes, so it develops at a faster rate.
Graham’s Tawny Colheitas are commonly bottled as ‘Single Harvest’
Who makes Stone Terraces SQVP?
5 relases?
Terroir?
Grahams
The Stone Terraces SQVP (11,15,16,17, 21).
Restored single row socalcos abandoned after phylloxera. Two cooler subplots of Quinta dos Malvedos, Tua (pred. South facing):
Port Arthur or Parcel 43 (1.2 ha) East & West exposure.
Vinha dos Cardenhos (0.6 ha). North exposure.
Mature Touriga Nacional with a few younger plantings of Touriga Franca, Sousão and Alicante Bouschet.
Oldest British house in the Port trade?
SQVP?
Tawny brand & range?
Warres, 1670. (KOPKE 1638)
Quinta da Cavadinha, Pinhão Valley. SE exposure & 120-450m - typically harvested last among the Symington properties. Produces redder fruited, fresher styles with fine wild floral aromas. (Tea- rose and violets). SQVP 1978.
Amongst the finest and most elegant ports; although deliberately between that of Graham and Dow.
Otima: 10,20 & ‘Single Year’ (Colheita)
Who was the first to build a Port lodge in Vila Nova de Gaia and to launch a branded Port?
Warres’ Warrior Reserve Ruby
1750 – continuous production
Dow’s
House style?
2 SQVP
Dows (Ruby & Tawny) undergo longer extraction and fermentation for a drier, weighter style with darker fruit.
Dows Tawny (unlike grahams) is aged in larger old tonneaux to help better preserve its dark fruit character.
Quinta do Bomfim (53 ha): Bomfim means “good end” – is the next bend up from Pinhao. Train station here. 1978 (inaugural).
Quinta Senhora da Ribeira
Cockburns
SQVP?
Quinta dos Canais (A) in the Beira Grande, Douro Superior.
With 100ha under vine it is the 2nd biggest in Symington’s portfolio after Quinta Vesuvio. Canais has formed the backbone of Cockburns vintage for over a hundred years although it wasn’t purchased until 1989.
Canais is named after the channels which, like Madeira’s levadas, transport water from the waterfall behind the property.
What is the largest estate in the Symington portfolio?
Douro DOP & Porto DOP 2 wines each?
Quinta do Vesuvio, Numao (A), Douro Surperior.136ha under vine. Huge house, Chapel and has its own railway station. Traditional stone lagares, foot stomp.
Single Quinta wines only:
Quinta do Vesuvio Douro DOP (2007)
Pombal Douro DOP – (2nd wine/tier)
Quinta do Vesuvio Porto DOP
Capela Quinta du Vesuvio Porto DOP
(‘07, ‘11) ‘
‘Chapel’: 3 small plots vineyard plots, 50-100 y/o.
Prats & Symington (1998)
3 wines & 2 Quintas?
Chryseia (2000) translates from Greek, ‘of Gold’. Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca
Since 2009 is based of two (A) vineyards:
* Quinta de Perdiz, Rio Torto, Cima Corgo
* Quinta do Roriz, Ervadosa do Douro, Cima Corgo
smaller amounts of Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca and Tinto Cao are additionally added to the second wines Post Scriptum and Prazo de Roriz
Some of the oldest socalcos display square holes in the vertical walls from which vines sprouted therefore leaving the flat surface free for the cultivation of other crops, what are these called?
pilheiros or boeiros
What is the largest single port brand?
Who is the parent company?
Porto Cruz’s Gran Cruz
Bestseller in France, Belgium and Luxembourg. Has only recently entered the English-speaking markets.
Porot Cruz vie with Symington’s for biggest producer.
La Martiniquaise (Frances 2nd biggest spirit compnay) - Also own Justino’s and Henriques & Henriques in Madeira.
Which English merchant famously mapped the Douro?
where did he his boat capsize?
Joseph James Forrester, later Baron Forrester, was one of the great pioneers of the Port industry and the Douro in the 19th Century who worked for Offley Forrester.
Forrester produced two maps of the Douro. The first, published in 1843 and revised in 1844 shows the demarcated zone with the prominent quintas of the period being marked.
1861 Cachão de Valeira - boundary between Cima Corgo and Douro Superior
Who owns Sogrape?
3 Port shipper labels?
Douro DOP top wine?
Guedes family
Sandeman, Ferreira, Offley.
Fernando Guedes, 2008
Legado ‘Legacy’
Quinta do Caêdo (Ferreira) from 100 y/o vines. Bottled under Sogrape banner.
pred. Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional + other indigenous field blend.
First shipper to export wine labelled and bottled in Oporto?
2 SQVP?
Sandeman,
Quinta do Seixo (A), Torto, Cima Corgo. Transferred from Ferreira; 2013 was first SQVP release to celebrate the house’s 225th anniversary.
Has significant plantings over 100 years old and its own chapel. Planted mostly to vinha ao aolto, except on its steepest slopes.
Quinta do Vau (A). SQVP bottlings and supports Seixo for the Sandeman Vintage.
What Shipper is known as the Portugese brand?
2 Quinta’s of note?
House style?
Best selling Porto DOP Tier
Ferreira
1751 Jose Ferreira - 1997 Guedes, Sogrape.
Quinta da Leda (76 ha) A/B, Douro Superior, Past Pochino - hot. Has provided the base for Barca Velha since 2001.
Quinta do Caêdo (20 ha) A, Douro Superior.
Sogrape ‘Legado’ Douro DOP here from 100 yr old plot here.
Specialise in Tawny Wines; its vintage Port tends to be lighter in style.
‘Dona Antonia’ is the #1 premium port in domestic market.
Notably: ‘Dona Antonia’ Reserva Tawny
(10,20, Branco, Branco Reserva also)
Fladgate Partnership
(& Yeatman)
4 labels?
A holding company that owns several port wine brands, including Taylor’s, Croft, and Fonseca. Wiese & Krohn also.
Which British Shipper was originally a wool merchant and the only British company to be handed down and never sold?
3 Quinta’s?
House Style?
Taylor’s (Fladgate & Yeatman). The
Hence the: 4XX logo/merchant mark.
Quinta de Vargellas, Vargellas, Douro Superior 40ha (A). Enormous north-facing amphitheatre. Has its own railway station. Vintage backbone & SQVP.
Quinta de Terra Feita, Provesende, Cima Corgo 51ha (A),1982. Taylors largest property. SQVP in some years also.
Quinta do Junco, Cima Corgo, 19ha (A). Purchased in 1998. Contirbutes less so to vintage.
Taylor’s style is generally more robust and built for age.
Who pioneered/first botteled the SQVP style?
Top wine and vintages?
1958 Taylor’s Quinta da Vergellas SQVP
Bottle a rare ‘Vergellas Vinha Velha’ from the property’s oldest vines. (Tinta de) Barca accounts for 25% of the Vinha Velha plot bottling.
4 vintages to date: ’95,’97,’00,’04
What famous Shipper produces an organic Port DOP?
Most famous Quinta?
Another wine of note?
House style?
Fonseca (Fladgate)
Created in 1815 as Fonseca Guimarãens.
The Terra Prima Plot at Quinta do Panascal has been organically famed since 1992. It achieved Ecocert organic certification in 2002 and in 2006 they released Terra Prima Organic Reserve. Even the beneficio is sourced from a specialist organic distiller.
Quinta do Panascal 44ha (A), Tavora, Cima Corgo. Lower reaches of the Tavora where it is hot and sheltered, prized for their solid backbone. SQVP.
Fonseca Guimaraens Vintage Port: 2nd wine of sorts – made in years the Fronseca vintage isn’t..? Softer & earlier aging.
Grapes are hand-harvested and crushed by foot in traditional granite lagares. The house has long had a reputation for its bold, rich style.
Which famous shipper intorudced the Rose Porto DOP category? When?
SQVP?
House style?
2008, Croft (Fladgate ‘01).
Quinta do Roêda (A), 270 ha, further up from Pinhão on the northern banks of the next turn. ‘Jewel of the Duoro Valley ‘. Has its own Chapel.
Croft is known primarily for its Vintage Port and aged Tawny Port all from Quinta da Roêda. House style is full, generous, and structured.
Which of the Porto DOP ‘Big 5’ is Spanish owned?
3 labels of note?
Sogevinus
Spanish owned.
KOPKE (German, ‘06), Calem (1998), Barros
Also:
Burmester (German settlers in the 1730’s), Gilberts
Which Sogevinus label use to have their own shipping fleet?
2 Quinta of note?
House style?
Cálem
As illustrated on Cálem labels; history of being a volume exporter. Sogevinus 1998.
Quinta do Vale da Foz (A), Cima Corgo, Pinhao. Inuagural SQVP 1982 and produced up until being sold in 2012 – last vintage 1996/1997?
Quinta do Arnozelo (A), 100 ha, Douro Superior. Purchased in 2004 - yet to be released as a SQVP
Specializes in Tawny. Doesn’t bottle Colheita till order is received.
Who has the slogan “Oldest and first Port wine house”?
SQVP?
House Style?
KOPKE (Sogevinus ‘06)
Est. 1638/ 1558 German Merchant. Iconic 17th century styled bottle and wax capsule.
Quinta do Sao Luiz (A), 90ha Cima Corgo. This quinta has been part of the Kopke house since its inception (1638) and was fully purchased in 1922. pred. vinhos ao alto vertical training system. Bottles this as a SQVP but bottles no other KOPKE/Vintage Port.
Known for their Colheita #1 in terms of production. Much of the libaray was lost in a 1882 fire (Vila Nova de Gaia) but maintains stock back to the 1930s. The Port is bottled to order and includes a bottling date on the back of the bottle.
In Porto DOP what is the only house to share the name with its vineyard?
Top wine & first vintage?
Vineyard size and facts?
2nd wine?
Quinta do Noval (A), 145ha, Just North of Pinhão, Cima Corgo.
‘Nacional’ (1931) 2ha plot within the Quinta.
Native rootstock rather than American. Less vigorous and smaller berries. Average age is 40 but some are as old as 80. Relatively high percentage of Sousão (aka. Vinhão, up to 25% in past). All foot-trodden. No more than 5 pipes/ 200-290 cases. 1963, 1966 and 1970 all legendary.
Quinat do Noval ‘Silval’ (1931)
2nd vintage ruby port. Not to be Confused with Quinta do Silval.
Newest British Port House?
SQVP?
House style?
Churchill
1981, John Graham (whose family-owned Graham’s Port until it was sold in 1970). His wifes maiden name is Churchill.
Quinta da Gricha (A), 19 ha, Cima Corgo. Purchased in 1999 Inaugural SQVP same year.
Overall drier style and classic firm grip & structure built for aging.
Niepoort
Main Quinta?
House speciality?
Another Quinta they own but is produced seperately?
Quinta de Nápoles (A),30ha, Tedo, Cima Corog.
Colheita & Garafeira (1863 ($), 1977, 83, 87)
Quinta do Passadouro (A), Pinhao, Cima Corgo). Acquired 1992. Produced independently since 2004. 70% still wines.
Which Port house is owned by Louis Roederer?
3 Quintas of note?
House style?
Ramos Pintos (since ‘90).
All their Tawny’s are estate fruit and thus is labelled so.
Quinta do Bom Retiro (A), 62ha, Torto, Cima Corgo. Vintage Port, SQVP and Single Quinta Bom Retiro 20 Year Tawny.
Quinta de Urtiga (A), 4 ha, next to Bom Retiro. Biodynamic practices.
Quinta de Ervamoira (A) 150ha, Coa, Douro Superior. Can be machine harvested.
SQVP & Quinta de Ervamoira 10 Year Tawny (SQ).
fmr. Quinta de Santa Maria
The wines of Ramos Pinto tend to be on the elegant and softer side. All their Tawnys are estate fruit and thus labelled so.
SQ Bom Retiro 20-year tawny receives a bonificado (bonus) addition of some colheita 1924.
30-Year-old Tawny: gets a bonificado of 1900 & 1924.
Name a French Port shipper?
Current ownership?
Rozés
1855, Vila Nova de Gaia. Rozés is the only Port house of French origin, founded by Ostende Rozés, a Bordeaux wine trader of Portuguese ancestry. House was purchased by the Vranken Pommery Group in 2002.
Name 2 Port shiffers who suffered fire?
1882 KOPKE, Vila Nova de Gaia
1981 Quinta do Noval, Vila Nova de Gaia destroying large volumes and the family archives. One of the first to move to their warehouse to the Douro with ‘86 legislation changes.
Name 3 Quintas with train stations?
Quinta do Bomfim (Dows)
Quinta de Vargellas (Taylors)
Quinta do Vesuvio
Name 4 Quintas with their own Chapel?
Quinta do Crasto (Marcos Pombalinos also)
Quinta Seixo, Torto (Sandeman)
Quinta do Roêda, Pinhao (Croft)
Quinta do Vesuvio (Symingtons)
Name 5 Grade A Quintas from the Douro Superior?
Quinta dos Canais (Cockburns)
Quinta de Vargellas (Taylors)
Quinta do Vesuvio (Symingtons)
Quinta de Ervamoira (150ha, Ramos Pintos) Douro DOP aswell.
Quinta Ataide (Symingtons) for Douro DOP
Name 2 B listed Quinta?
Both have Grade A & B ratings.
Quinta do Vale Meão - Francisco Olazaba Ferreira descendant and separate from Ferreira sale?
Quinta da Leda, Douro Superior - past Pochino and is Hot. (Ferreira - Sogrape)
Provides the base for Barca Velha since1990.
Porto DOP
Notable vintages prior to WW2
1896
1900,1904 (Schnapps vintage – German potato & grain spirit to fortify)
1912! ,1924, 1927!
1931, 1934 , 1935
Porto DOP
Notable vinatges 40’s-70.
1945 war shipping restrictions; sometimes in brown sherry bottles due to the lack of glass.
1955
1963! Classic & wider greatness > 1966!
1970 (last vintage to be bottled in the UK).
Porto DOP
Poor Vintages of note?
1971, 1973 (none exist?), 1979, 1981, 1993 (botrytis), 2002 (botrytis).
Porto DOP
Notable vintages 70-‘00
1970 (last vintage to be bottled in the UK).
1975 – first to be entirely bottled in Portugal, because they’d been no unanimous declarations since ’70.
1977 (Silver Jubilee)
1983
1985 (Last vintage that wines had to bottled Vila Nova, law changes in 86’. VA issues)
1991,1992, 1994!, 1997 (widely declared)
2000!
Name a single vareitial vintage Port?
1991 Quinta do Infantado
Produced a single varietial 100% Touriga Nacional, although legal is the only known example of its kind?
Porto DOP
Notable vinatges ‘00-present
2000!, 2003, 2007! - biggest declartion to date.
2011!, 2016, 2017, 2018 - 3 consecutive.
What is the name of the traditional Port barge?
Barco Rabelo (viking inspired?)
What is the name of the double-deck metal arch bridge connecting Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia?
The Dom Luís I Bridge or Ponte de Dom Luís I
What is Mosto torrado?
Porto DOP
caramelised grape must used to adjust colour, flavour and aroma.
What are Balseiros?
Porto DOP
large wooden aging/blending vats.
How much is a
Canada?
Almude?
Shipping pipe?
A canada (2.12l) was as much as a man could drink in a day, an almude (25.44l) was as much as a person could reasonably carry on thier head, and a shipping pipe (534.24) was as much as could be transported by an ox cart.
While these measurements are obsolete today an almude was and is still used as a standard blending unit.
12 canada: 1 almude, 21 almudes: 534.24l shipping pipe (252 canada to 1 pipa/pipe)
Porto DOP
3 types of Pipe
Douro 550l
Vila Nova de Gaia 620l
Shipping Pipe 534.24
(Economic reason for preffered increments of sale).
The range of 550-620/630l is based on the producer’s preference.
Smaller barrles = more oxidation.
The second variable is the amount of wine produced by the house and their barrel sizes will be chosen with their quantities in mind.
