Colheita 1996
Trade Tools
Portugal / Douro Valley Porto
Sourced in the traditional way, from the highest-quality individual growers in the Douro Valley, where the varying altitude and aspect of the vineyards creates the potential for a complex wine of great character. Fermentation is halted by the addition of grape spirits before all the residual sugar has been fermented, creating a sweet, fortified wine. Single Harvest Tawny is a blend of ports from a single year which age to maturity in seasoned oak casks.
Harvest Note
The viticulutural season began with a very wet winter. January and February were colder than normal resulting in a late bud burst. Cool, wet conditions continued until just prior to flowering on May 25th. Flowering took place in hot weather and with the large number of inflorescences at bud burst resulted in the largest potential yields since 1900. There was a considerable amount of rainfall in September which caused many people to start picking. However, strong winds and hot weather, between the 27th and 30th followed, which dried out the bunches and allowed the grapes to ripen fully. This was reflected in a marked improvement in all ports produced from September 29th onwards.
Tasting Note
Lovely rich tawny color, with notes of caramel and toffee scent. A touch of chocolate covered raisins and almonds balance off the delicious intricate flavors. Smooth, elegant finish.
Technical Data
GRAPES: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa, Tinto Cão, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca
APPELLATION: Douro
PH: 3.49
ACIDITY: 4.78 g/l
ABV: 20%
RESIDUAL SUGAR: 121 g/l
Unique Selling Points
- Blend of tawny port from a single year's harvest
- Sourced from high quality growers
“My team and I strive to bring the very best performance out of our vineyards by careful nurturing of the vines, combined with the very best winemaking techniques available.”
David Guimaraens, Winemaker
About the Grape
Tinta Barroca
Used to make Port wines, this high yielding grape has very high sugar content, which makes wines with pronounced floral character, good structure and firm, ripe tannins.
Tinta Cão
This grape has blackberry, game and meaty aromas, and contributes longevity and exceptional elegance to the blend of Port wines.
Tinta Roriz
Tinta Roriz produces deep-colored grapes of moderate acidity which make bold wines with firm tannins, excellent complexity and distinctive resin-like fragrance.
Touriga Franca
This grape has high tannins and is very aromatic; it lends structure and balance to Port wines. It shows intense fresh red fruit, earth and flower aromas, and is very fruity on the palate.
Touriga Nacional
Touriga Nacional produces wine with finesse, body and warmth that is dark, concentrated, massively tannic and aromatic. It ages to show the complex aromas typically found in mature vintage port.
