Quinta do Noval

Quinta do Noval Nacional is incredibly rare because it is produced from a small parcel of ungrafted vines that were never affected by the phylloxera plague. While almost all other vineyards in Europe had to be grafted onto American rootstocks to survive, these specific vines remain on their original roots. This results in a Vintage Port that is highly concentrated, intensely perfumed, and famously expensive.

Quinta do Noval is currently owned by the French insurance and luxury goods group AXA Millésimes. They purchased the historic estate in 1993 and have invested heavily in modernizing the winemaking facilities while respecting traditional foot-treading in stone lagares. Under AXA's ownership, the estate has also expanded its production of high-quality unaged and aged Tawny Ports.

The estate is situated in the heart of the Cima Corgo region, the premier Port-producing area within Portugal's Douro Valley. Its prime vineyard terraces are planted on steep schist soils that overlook the Douro River. This specific geographical location provides the ideal microclimate for producing long-lasting, structured Vintage Ports.

Quinta do Noval Vintage Port is only produced in exceptional years from the estate's best grapes, requiring a decade or more of bottle aging before drinking. Noval Black, on the other hand, is a filtered, ready-to-drink Port designed to introduce younger consumers to the style. Unlike the traditional Vintage Port, Noval Black does not throw a heavy sediment and does not require decanting.