Niepoort Docil Moscatel 2019 Portuguese White Wine 70 cl 9%

The name means "the docile one" - a wine that yields to time rather than fighting it, letting the grape's own sweetness and freshness speak without raising its voice.

Expert's Description

Niepoort Docil Moscatel 2019 is a Portuguese white wine from the Douro Valley, made from 100% Moscatel Galego and bottled at 9%.

The grapes grow above 500 metres near Alijó and are picked in mid-September, then transported under refrigeration to Niepoort's Quinta de Nápoles estate. Fermentation begins in stainless steel at low temperature on the fine lees and is interrupted by cooling, so that some of the grape's natural sweetness is preserved alongside its bright acidity.

Niepoort was founded by the Dutch van der Niepoort family, who settled in Vila Nova de Gaia in 1842. Today the house is run by Dirk Niepoort, fifth generation of the family, who since the late 1980s has added a growing range of Douro still wines alongside the house's classic Ports.

Docil Moscatel belongs to this newer part of the portfolio and is meant as a small, aromatic aside to the house's more serious bottlings - a wine made to be enjoyed for its immediate charm rather than its ageing potential.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Intense orange blossom, fresh grape skin and a touch of citrus peel giving an almost perfumed impression.

Palate

Light and juicy with a gentle sweetness lifted by a bright acidity, showing ripe peach and white flowers.

Finish

Short to medium, clean and fresh, with a faint bitter citrus note that rounds off the palate in a dry, appetising way.

Specifications

Name: Niepoort Docil Moscatel 2019
Winery: Niepoort
Region/Country: Douro, Portugal
Type: Portuguese White Wine
Grape varieties: Moscatel Galego
ABV: 9%
Size: 70 CL
Ageing: Stainless steel
Vintage: 2019
EAN no.: 5603977008205
Serving suggestion: Serve chilled at 8-10°C in a small white wine glass, with fruit-based desserts, blue cheese, or on its own as an aperitif

Flavour Profile

Aromatic · Off-dry · Bright acidity · Floral

Did You Know?

Moscatel Galego is one of Portugal's oldest aromatic grape varieties, and the name "Dócil" deliberately plays on the contrast with the bolder, more powerful Douro wines the house is otherwise known for.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Niepoort Docil Moscatel 2019

What does Niepoort Docil Moscatel 2019 taste like?

It is light and aromatic with notes of orange blossom, ripe peach and citrus peel, carried by a gentle sweetness and a bright, lively acidity.

Is the wine sweet or dry?

It is off-dry with restrained residual sweetness, kept in check by the grape's natural acidity so it never feels heavy.

How long does the bottle keep once opened?

Store it chilled and tightly closed and it will retain its freshness for a few days after opening.

What temperature should it be served at?

8-10°C is ideal, preferably in a small, narrow glass that holds both aroma and temperature.

What food pairs well with Docil Moscatel?

Fruit-based desserts, blue cheese or a simple bowl of fresh fruit all suit the wine's aromatic style well.

Which grape is the wine made from?

It is made entirely from Moscatel Galego, an aromatic grape with a long tradition in Portugal.

Is Niepoort mainly known for Port?

Historically yes, but since the 1980s the house has also built a respected range of still Douro wines like this one.