by Dr. Luis Antunes
After ten years of releasing table wines under secondary labels, Quinta do Noval has finally created an icon red bearing its name. Founded in 1715, Quinta do Noval is given the prices commanded for its rare Vintage Port "Nacional" - arguably
the most prestigious name in Portugal. That wine is made from two hectares of ungrafted vines planted over 100 years ago.
The interest in port shippers to sell dry table wines began to take shape at the end of the 80s and has been gaining strength ever since. Today, at least among the bigger houses, only Fladgate with Taylor s, Fonseca, Croft and Delaforce still resist the trend.
Its first release, the Quinta do Noval 2004 is a red Douro made from grapes grown on the estate s steep hillside vineyards near Pinhão in the heart of the valley. Noval produced 10,000 bottles, a blend of 70% Touriga Nacional, 20% Tinto Cão and 10% Touriga Franca from vineyards of at least 10 years of age. The wine was fermented in stainless steel and aged for 12 months in French oak barrels. Noval also released a second label, Cedro do Noval. Of that wine there are 15,000 bottles, a blend of 40% Touriga Nacional, 40% Tinta Roriz, and 20% Touriga Franca from slightly younger vines, also aged in French oak. The estimated shelf prices will be 45 for Quinta do Noval and 15 for the second wine.
