On the slopes of Vinha da Pisca stand vines with roots reaching back to before the First World War. In 2013, the rain held off just long enough for Niepoort to bring them in - while most other houses let the year pass unnoticed.
Expert's Description
Niepoort Bioma Vintage 2013 Vinha Velha is a Portuguese single-vineyard Vintage Port from the Douro Valley, bottled at 19.5%.
The wine comes from Vinha da Pisca, where a large share of the vines are between 80 and 100 years old. The grapes are traditionally foot-trodden in granite lagares, before the wine matures in oak casks for around three years. The vineyard is farmed under the organic and biodynamic principles of the Bioma project, without artificial fertilisers or pesticides.
Niepoort was founded in 1842 by the Dutch van der Niepoort family in Vila Nova de Gaia. Around the turn of the millennium, under Dirk Niepoort, the house began exploring single-vineyard cuvées and a more organic approach to farming - the Bioma series is a direct result of that evolution.
2013 was not declared a general vintage by most major Port houses, but the ripe, healthy fruit from this particular vineyard, picked just before a rainstorm set in, gave Niepoort the basis for a rare single-vineyard Vintage that year.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Deep, dark berries and plums with a touch of violets, underpinned by a faintly earthy, mineral scent from the old vines.
Palate
Powerful and structured, with firm tannins holding the dark berry fruit in place, and a richness that speaks to the low yields of the old vines.
Finish
Long and dry, with persistent dark fruit and a fine, granite-like minerality.
Specifications
Name: Niepoort Bioma Vintage 2013 Vinha Velha
Winery: Niepoort
Region-Country: Douro, Portugal
Type: Vintage Port (single-vineyard Vinha Velha)
Grape varieties: Traditional Douro field blend from old vines
ABV: 19.5%
Size: 70 CL
Ageing: Oak cask, approx. 3 years
Vintage: 2013
Flavour Profile
Structured · Mineral · Old vines · Single vineyard
Investment Potential
As a rare single-vineyard Vintage from a year most other houses skipped, Bioma Vinha Velha 2013 holds a distinctive place among collectors of modern Douro cuvées. The combination of old vines, organic farming and limited production makes it a sought-after find in more inquisitive Port collections.
Did You Know?
2013 was generally considered too wet and unstable a season for a broad Vintage declaration in the Douro. But a rainstorm arrived just after Niepoort had finished picking Vinha da Pisca - giving them the basis for this single-vineyard bottling while most other houses let the year pass.
See our full range of Niepoort
