Niepoort Fantasi Branco 2018 Portuguese White Wine 70 cl 11.5%

Not everything from Niepoort is meant for the armchair after dinner. Fantasi Branco is the house's light, uncomplicated take on a Douro white - meant to be drunk cool, ideally in good company and without too much fuss.

Expert's Description

Niepoort Fantasi Branco 2018 is a Portuguese white wine from the Douro Valley, bottled at 11.5%.

The wine is made from a blend of white Douro grapes, hand-picked and fermented at controlled, low temperatures in stainless steel to preserve fresh fruit and an easy, approachable expression. The low alcohol level reflects exactly the light, everyday style the house has aimed for.

Niepoort was founded in 1842 by the Dutch van der Niepoort family in Vila Nova de Gaia as a classic Port house. Under Dirk Niepoort, the house has since the 1980s expanded considerably into still Douro table wines, which today make up around 70% of production - Fantasi Branco belongs to the playful, accessible end of that range.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Fresh citrus and green apple, with a hint of blossom and a touch of tropical fruit.

Palate

Light and juicy, with lively acidity and a clean, straightforward fruitiness without heavy oak character.

Finish

Short and refreshing, with a light citrus close.

Specifications

Name: Niepoort Fantasi Branco 2018
Winery: Niepoort
Region-Country: Douro, Portugal
Type: Portuguese White Wine
Grape varieties: Douro white blend, incl. Gouveio, Rabigato and Viosinho
ABV: 11.5%
Size: 70 CL
Ageing: Stainless steel
Vintage: 2018
EAN no.: 5603977004559
Serving suggestion: Serve chilled at 8-10°C, with shellfish, salads or light fish

Flavour Profile

Fresh · Light · Citrus · Straightforward

Did You Know?

Niepoort's more relaxed everyday wines are sold in some markets under the name "Fabelhaft" - German for "fantastic" - showing just how deliberately the house works to signal that this part of the range is meant as a cheerful counterweight to the heavier, more serious bottles in the cellar.

See our full range of Niepoort

Frequently Asked Questions about Niepoort Fantasi Branco 2018

What does Niepoort Fantasi Branco 2018 taste like?

It is light and fresh, with citrus, green apple and a hint of blossom, finishing with a short, refreshing acidity.

Should it be served chilled?

Yes, best at 8-10°C, where the freshness and acidity come into their own.

What pairs well with Niepoort Fantasi Branco 2018?

Shellfish, salads and light fish work particularly well with the wine's light, citrus-driven style.

Why is the alcohol level so low?

The wine is deliberately made in a light, approachable style with an earlier harvest and controlled fermentation, giving a naturally lower alcohol level than many other Douro whites.

How long does an opened bottle keep?

It should be drunk within a couple of days, stored cool with the cork in, to preserve its fresh character.

Is Niepoort Fantasi Branco 2018 aged in wood?

No, the wine is fermented and matured exclusively in stainless steel to preserve its fresh, fruity style without oak character.

What defines Niepoort as a producer?

Niepoort is a family-owned house dating from 1842, originally known for Port, but which since the 1980s has built a broad range of still wines from the Douro Valley, including light, everyday-friendly bottlings like this one.