Grahams Six Grapes Special Vila Velha Edition Reserve Port Wine 75 cl 19,5%

On the south bank of the Douro, where Quinta da Vila Velha slopes down toward the river, some of the grapes that have shaped Graham's style for generations grow. This release is a tribute — made in a limited run to honour the man who revived the house's best-known Ruby style.

Expert's Description

Graham's Six Grapes Special Vila Velha Edition Reserve Port is a Portuguese Reserve Ruby Port from the Douro Valley, aged in oak casks and bottled at 19.5%.

The wine pays tribute to James Symington, the third-generation Port producer who bought and restored Quinta da Vila Velha in 1987, growing it into the 145-hectare estate it is today. This special release is composed entirely of grapes from that single quinta, blended from 56% Touriga Nacional, 36% Touriga Franca and 8% Alicante Bouschet.

Only 12,000 bottles of this edition were produced, making it a rare variant within the Six Grapes family. The standard Six Grapes has been the house's signature wine since the 1970s, when James Symington revived the style — this edition was created as a direct tribute to his work following his passing in 2020.

Tasting Notes

Nose

The nose offers ripe dark berries, a touch of liquorice and a hint of spice that signals the wine's depth.

Palate

The palate is full-bodied and well-structured, with juicy blackberry, blackcurrant and fine complexity carried by soft tannins.

Finish

The finish is long and spicy, closing with a last note of dark chocolate.

Specifications

Name: Graham's Six Grapes Special Vila Velha Edition Reserve Port
Winery: Graham's
Region-Country: Douro, Portugal
Type: Reserve Ruby Port
Grape varieties: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Alicante Bouschet
ABV: 19.5%
Size: 75 CL
Ageing: Oak cask
EAN no.: 5608309015654
Serving suggestion: Serve at 16-18°C in a Port glass, ideally with dark chocolate or blue cheese

Flavour Profile

Full-bodied · Dark berries · Complex · Elegant

Investment Potential

Six Grapes Special Vila Velha Edition is a numbered release from a limited run of 12,000 bottles, created as a tribute to James Symington. Low-production tribute releases like this one are often sought after by Graham's collectors, even though the wider Six Grapes range is intended as an everyday Port rather than an investment piece.

Did You Know?

Six Grapes takes its name from the six bunches of grapes historically chalked onto Graham's casks to mark the best quality in the cellar. The Vila Velha edition is the first Six Grapes made entirely from grapes grown on a single quinta.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Graham's Six Grapes Special Vila Velha Edition Reserve Port

What sets Six Grapes Special Vila Velha Edition apart from the standard Six Grapes?

The Vila Velha edition is made entirely from grapes grown at Quinta da Vila Velha and produced in a limited run of 12,000 bottles, while the standard Six Grapes is a broader blend from several of Graham's estates.

Does this bottle make a good gift?

Yes, the numbered edition and the story behind it — a tribute to James Symington — make it a fitting gift for Port enthusiasts who appreciate a bottle with a narrative.

How should the bottle be stored?

Store it upright or on its side in a cool, dark place away from temperature swings. Once opened, the Ruby style stays fresh for a couple of weeks if the cork is replaced.

At what temperature should Six Grapes Vila Velha be served?

Serve it at 16-18°C in a regular wine glass or a Port glass, so the dark berry and spice notes come through fully.

What makes Quinta da Vila Velha distinctive as an estate?

The property sits on the south bank of the Douro and was restored by James Symington from 1987, growing into a 145-hectare estate with 55 hectares under vine — today a key source for Graham's Vintage Ports.