Dalva 2016 Vintage Portugal Port Wine 75 cl 20%

While most Port styles are made to be drunk now, this one is made to wait - a bottle that only truly unfolds decades from now.

Expert's Description

Dalva 2016 Vintage is a Portuguese Vintage Port from the single vintage 2016, bottled at 20%.

A Vintage Port is only declared in years when the grape harvest is considered exceptional, and the declaration itself must be approved by Portugal's wine authority, the IVDP - unlike Tawny and Colheita, it spends only a short time, typically around two years, in wood before being bottled unfiltered and left to mature further in the bottle for decades.

Because the wine is unfiltered, it develops sediment over time, meaning it should be decanted before serving - a process that sets Vintage clearly apart from the other, more accessible Port styles.

Dalva is the Port brand of the house C. da Silva, founded in Vila Nova de Gaia in 1933 by Clemente da Silva. Although the house is particularly known for its Colheita Ports, Dalva also declares Vintage in years when the grapes warrant it.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Intense black fruit and chocolate, lifted by floral tones and black pepper.

Palate

Full-bodied and elegant, with firm, velvety tannins and a voluminous, fresh character.

Finish

Long, persistent finish with continued fruit depth.

Specifications

Name: Dalva 2016 Vintage
Winery: Dalva
Region-Country: Douro, Portugal
Type: Vintage Port
Grape varieties: Traditional Douro field blend (incl. Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz)
ABV: 20%
Size: 75 CL
Ageing: Oak cask, approx. 2 years, then continued ageing in bottle
Vintage: 2016

Flavour Profile

Full-bodied · Black fruit · Spiced · Cellar-worthy

Investment Potential

Vintage Port is declared only in the finest years and made for long-term ageing - a recognised vintage such as 2016 is among the most sought-after categories for Port collectors, precisely because production is limited to exceptional years.

Did You Know?

A vintage only officially becomes a "Vintage" Port once the house's assessment of its quality is approved by the IVDP - in most years, houses instead use the grapes for Tawny or Colheita, making every declared Vintage a deliberate bet on that year's exceptional quality.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Dalva 2016 Vintage

What does it mean for a Port to be a Vintage?

It means the vintage has been declared exceptional and approved by Portugal's wine authority, the IVDP - unlike other Port styles, which are blends of several vintages.

Is Dalva 2016 Vintage worth it?

Vintage Port is declared only in the finest years, so production is limited - making a recognised vintage such as 2016 one of the most sought-after categories for Port collectors with an eye for long-term cellaring.

Should Dalva 2016 Vintage be decanted?

Yes, as the wine is unfiltered and develops sediment over time, it is recommended to decant it carefully before serving.

What does Dalva 2016 Vintage taste like?

It offers intense black fruit, chocolate and black pepper, with a full-bodied, elegant palate and firm, velvety tannins.

How long can Dalva 2016 Vintage be cellared?

Vintage Port is designed for long-term ageing and can typically develop positively in the bottle for decades under the right storage conditions.

What pairs well with Dalva 2016 Vintage?

It works well on its own, but also with dark chocolate or a simple cheese and nut plate.

What defines Dalva as a Port house?

Dalva, founded in Vila Nova de Gaia in 1933, is particularly known for its Colheita Ports, but also declares Vintage in years when the grapes warrant it.