Niepoort - Charme Tinto 2017 (750ml)
Price: $107.99
| Producer | Niepoort |
| Country | Portugal |
| Region | Douro |
| Varietal | Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca |
| Vintage | 2017 |
| Sku | 65676 |
| Size | 750ml |
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Niepoort Description
Niepoort is one of the great Port houses and is now in its sixth generation of tradition and innovation. Fifth-generation owner Dirk Niepoort has paved the way for the production of dry wine in Port, and has been instrumental in elevating its status. Always interested in pushing the boundaries of what the Port wine industry looks like, Dirk, now joined by his son, Daniel, has acquired access to fruit throughout Portugal. Sustainable and organic work in the vineyard and cellar is always prioritized. Working with properties from the north to the south, Niepoort can be counted on to provide fortified and table wines that celebrate all that Portugal has to offer.
Grapes come from very old vineyards in Vale de Mendiz, on the banks of the Pinhão River. Average vine age 70 to 100+ years.
Wine Advocate: 93 Points
The 2017 Charme is a field blend, heavy on Tinta Roriz and Touriga Franca (especially Tinta Roriz), aged for 15 months in used French barriques. It comes in at 13.5% alcohol. This, unlike most of the upper-level reds here, was in bottle when seen (and for about four months after that). More nuanced than the Batuta, and probably a little deeper, this is equally fresh, with a slight meaty aftertaste. There's not a lot of stuffing, but there never is in this wine (typically meant to have a Burgundian style). This is a fine Charme, though. It is structured, refined and bright, with lifted fruit and a long finish. It should age beautifully. This has never been my favorite bottling in Niepoort's stable, but it looks like one of my favorite Charmes ever, a worthy companion to the 2015.
