Quinta do Noval
Vinhas da Marka 2019
Douro Valley
Vinhas da Marka is the very first edition of a new exciting project called ‘Terroir Series’. Every edition will focus on one specific terroir that was identified that year as exceptional.
A few years ago, Quinta do Noval concluded an agreement with the Agrellos family for the long term lease of the vineyard of Quinta da Marka, which we had identified as having terroir of exceptional potential. This potential was revealed by the outstanding red wines produced in the 2019 vintage. It was so remarkable, that the Noval team has decided to release a very limited volume of that wine. Only 200 bottles was brought into the US.
Vineyard
Vinhas da Marka is a 1.45 hectare parcel of old vines at the heart of Marka. These old vines from 1930 are a field blend of over 30 different traditional varieties.
Winemaking
This wine is made with hand-picked grapes, manual sorting and complete destemming of the grape bunches. Selected yeasts are used to master the fermentation cycle. There are over 30 varieties of grapes in this blend.
The fermentation is done in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature around 79°F.
Malolactic fermentation happened in stainless steel tanks and French oak barrels.
The wine is aged in French oak barrels of 225 liters for 12 months, 80% in new barrels, 20% from barrels of one vintage.
Vintage
2019 was marked by a mild winter and generally dry conditions, with almost no rain from May to the end of August. While in many parts of Europe producers faced heatwaves, summer temperatures in the Douro were fortunately lower than usual this year, making the absence of rain easier to bear for the vines. Harvesting conditions were ideal, with moderate temperatures and overall dry weather. The plot was harvested on October 3rd. The purity, complexity and character of the resulting wine reflect these ideal conditions.
Tasting Note
The nose is marvelously complex and seductive, aromatic and fine, revealing ripe fruit, minerality, subtle leafiness and creamy vanilla notes. It has sophistication, elegance and is refreshing at the same time. Somewhat kaleidoscopic, this complex mix of elements is a fascinating discovery in the glass. Its velvety texture, mouthwatering acidity and impeccable balance ensure the long finish. It is a fine, profound and powerful red wine, with complex aromatics that develop in the glass, but above all harmonious, fresh, balanced and elegant. -Carlos Agrellos, Technical Director
Color
Red
Appellation
Douro Valley
Alcohol
14.5%
Suggested Retail Price
$249
Reviews
"Smoky, graphite minerality"
Decanter - September 8, 2023 "Uncommon freshness for a west-facing 1.45ha parcel of vines at 140-180m. Planted in 1930, it reveals smoky, graphite minerality to the nose and palate with juicy blackberry, pureed raspberry, silky blood plum and orange blossom, cedar and anise accents. Fresh acidity and fine-grained gently mouth-coating tannins make for a persistent finish." -S.A.
Trade Materials
Other Wines by this Producer
Touriga Nacional
Douro DOC
Intense and concentrated, with fine tannic structure, Touriga Nacional is distinguished by its delicacy, a characteristic of the Quinta do Noval style. It is the product of a strict selection from the best lots produced by our Quinta in any given year.
Douro Reserva
Douro Valley, Portugal
Very powerful and structured, it is outstanding for its finesse, a delicate character typical of the Quinta do Noval style. It is derived from a strict selection of the best batches of the Quinta's various indigenous grape varieties. This wine is delicious when young and ages well in the cellar.
Branco Reserva
Douro Valley, Portugal
An authentic white wine with the ambitious to represent the best white wine produced in the Douro Valley. It is derived from a strict selection of the best batches of the Quinta's various indigenous grape varieties. Rich and structured, it is outstanding for its finesse and intensity
Cedro do Noval Branco
Douro Valley, Portugal
Named after the emblematic cedar tree that dominates Quinta do Noval's terrace, Cedro do Noval is an authentic expression of the Douro. It is made at Quinta do Noval using carefully selected grapes 100 % grown on the highest steeply terraced vineyards of Quinta do Noval, in the heart of the Douro Valley, in Northern Portugal.
Cedro do Noval
Douro Valley, Portugal
Charm and accessibility in an authentically Douro style. Named after the emblematic cedar tree that dominates the terrace of Quinta do Noval, Cedro do Noval is an authentic expression of the Douro.
Late Bottled Vintage Single Vineyard Port
Douro Valley, Portugal
This wine is a remarkable example of the Noval style. Treated exactly like a Vintage Port with only noble grape varieties that sourced exclusively from estate vineyards, trodden by foot and unfiltered. This expression differs in its extended aging, seeing five years in casks instead of the typical two years for Vintage Ports. Definitely an LBV with a difference, this wine has fine structured tannins, great freshness and purity of fruit. It is delicious to drink today, but will age beautifully in its bottle.
Nacional Vintage Port
Douro Valley, Portugal
The legend. A small area at the heart of the Quinta do Noval vineyard planted with ungrafted vines and untouched by phylloxera.
Vintage Port
Quinta do Noval Vintage Port is characterised by its purity of fruit and a fine, delicate quality that is typical of the wines of the property in general, but which finds its most remarkable and enduring expression in the Vintage Ports.
Tawny 40 Year Old Port
Douro Valley, Portugal
Noval was the first port house to introduce blended tawnies with an indication of average age. Their eldest offering, the Noval Tawny 40 Year Old Port, is a remarkable representation of the quintessence of the Noval Tawny style: a profoundly concentrated and complex old wine, the memory of the house.
Tawny 20 Year Old Port
Douro Valley, Portugal
Noval 20 year old Tawny is a blend of old Ports from different vintages that have matured in oak casks, with an average age of 20 years. Irresistible freshness with all the complexity of age. Harmonious and balanced, fine, elegant and long, with all the aromatic complexity typical of Noval Tawny Ports.