Niepoort make some amazing red table wines, as well as some mind blowing ports, but I think it’s these Douro white wines that really show off Dirk Niepoort’s skills and that the Douro isn’t a hot region just for the production of fortified wines. Its made from a a blend of Rabigato, Codega, Donzelinho, Viosinho and Arinto from 40 year old vines up on the top of part of the Douro valley. The thing that really sucks me in with this wine is its calm, subtle and fresh nature. You could almost swear it was a village white burgundy going by the texture, length and mouthfeel. There is also a Reserva version from 100 year vines that I will have to track down.
A really fresh and vibrant nose of peach, apple with a touch of apricot kiwi. The thing that gets me here is the sence of purity and freshness the radiates from the wine, confident but reserved. Perfect weight in the mouth. The palate give up more white peach with some lanolin and lemon zest. A big long finish showing some minerally touches. This is excellent drinking now, looks like it would cellar as well. If you are going to look at only one Portuguese white this year, make this it. 92 Pts.
Source: The Spanish Acquisition Price: $55 Closure: Conventional Cork
Love this wine, easily 95+ in my book. Proof the that the douro is a place that can create amazing whites.
It is an excellent wine, I tend to be a bit of a miser on points tho. Have you tried the Reserva?
“Have you tried the Reserva?” (SIC)
Several times as you can imagine, and the 2007 is the best of them all (and not expensive).
Nuno
Right, looks like I need to get one in…