Colheita ports are rather rare at Quinta do Noval. First of all, to explain, Colheita is a Tawny Port, i.e. a port wine that has been stored in a barrel for a long time and only consists of one vintage. It is bottled when it is considered ready to drink. This was the case in 2019 with the 2000 vintage of Quinta do Noval. Back to rarity. This wine was previously only available in the years 1976, 1986, 1995, 1997, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009 and 2012. It is also only available in small quantities per vintage.
The Quinta do Noval Colheita Tawny consists of the long-established grape varieties of the Douro Valley such as Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa, Tinto Cão, Tinta Roriz and Sousão. The winemaking was also very traditional; the grapes were crushed and, after fermentation, aged for many years in traditional barrels called cascos, which hold 640 liters.
The 2000 vintage brought only low yields, but outstanding wines. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also sees it that way, whose port wine taster Mark Squires gives the Quinta do Noval Colheita 2000 an impressive 94/100 points and praises the structure, balance and length of this wine. In conclusion, he praises: "Craftsmanship and high-quality fruit make this a big winner."
