Niepoort Redoma Reserva Branco 2023

Since its first release in 1995, Redoma Reserva Branco has reflected the character of the Douro's old vines. The grapes come from vines more than eighty years old, planted at altitude, around 600 metres, on mica-schist soils. At this height, the cool nights temper the heat of the valley and preserve the acidity of the interplanted native grape varieties, Rabigato, Códega do Larinho, Viosinho and Arinto, which make up this structured, mineral white.

The grapes are harvested by hand and then ferment spontaneously, with native yeasts, in French oak barrels. The wine is aged there for around nine months on its fine lees, in carefully selected barrels, used or younger, to ensure minerality, complexity and ageing potential. Bottling took place in July 2024, to preserve the freshness and precision of this high-altitude white.

This wine reveals notes of lemon, lime, apple, exotic fruits, white flowers, flint, nougat and sweet spices. Citrus and white fruits converse with floral notes and a toasty touch from the barrel. The palate, vibrant and precise, offers a creamy texture and elegant volume, carried by lively acidity through to a long, slightly saline finish.

Portugal's rich history is inextricably linked to its wines, especially its most famous, Port. From the ancient cities of Lisbon and Porto to small medieval towns and Roman ruins, the past is still very much alive in modern Portugal. A wonderful holiday in the heart of this country, where Port wines originated, is a unique way to experience Old World culture, the climate, the beautiful countryside, and of course, the delicious wines. Although the history of wine in Portugal dates back to the Romans, it wasn't until the early 19th century that the wine we know today as Port came into being. Portuguese table wine had already been in high demand since the mid-17th century, primarily by the British. To make rustic Portuguese wines more stable and palatable, small amounts of brandy were added to the wine barrels before shipping. Eventually, British companies began investing in the region and perfected the process of adding brandy during fermentation, rather than after, which helped preserve the distinctive fruity flavors of the red wine that were unique to Portugal's Douro Valley. In recent years, a small revolution has taken place in the Douro region in terms of developing modern-style dry red and white wines, alongside the very traditional production of Port wines. Table wines also continue to play an important role. Increased investment, improved winemaking techniques, and the modernization of the industry are yielding interesting results. What is unique to Portugal is the very large number (over 500) of indigenous grape varieties (though some are unpronounceable). Even most wine experts are unfamiliar with the grapes that produce Port, Madeira, or any other Portuguese wine. Like its neighbor Spain, Portugal has been experiencing a quiet revolution for the past two decades. The reluctance to follow trends and plant international grape varieties is now bearing fruit, and the new breed of wines, brimming with terroir and fruit, is more than capable of competing on the world stage. The unique flavors that characterize Portugal's indigenous grape varieties have become its strength. This is good news for those seeking a change from the ubiquitous international grape-based wines. The terroir is so diverse. From north to south, east to west, from mountainous to coastal vineyards, hot and dry or cool and green. In every style, from vinho verde to port, from crisp, dry whites to elegant reds, in so many different ways, Portuguese wines are unique.