Gould Campbell
Gould Campbell: A Harmonious Blend of Tradition and Expertise
Gould Campbell, another prestigious name within the Symington Family Estates, upholds a strong tradition of Port wine production. Established in 1797, this celebrated brand seamlessly blends centuries-old winemaking techniques with the Symington family's expertise, producing remarkable Ports appreciated worldwide.
A Historical Journey
From its inception at the end of the 18th century, Gould Campbell has been dedicated to creating high-quality Ports. The vineyards of Gould Campbell, nestled in the unique terroir of the Douro Valley, yield exceptional grapes that form the core of the brand's distinguished Ports.
The brand became part of the Symington Family Estates in 1970. Since then, the Symingtons, with their profound understanding of the Douro Valley and centuries of winemaking knowledge, have enriched the Gould Campbell tradition, enhancing its recognition in the Port wine world.
Characteristics of Gould Campbell Port
Gould Campbell offers an exquisite range of Ports, including Tawny, Ruby, LBV, and most notably, Vintage Ports. Each of these wines represents the brand's unwavering dedication to quality and mirrors the distinctive character of the Douro Valley terroir.
Gould Campbell Ports are renowned for their profound depth of flavour, robust structure, and elegant complexity. Their Vintage Ports, in particular, are known for their intense dark fruit profiles, subtle spiced tones, and chocolate nuances. With aging, these wines unfurl a variety of intricate secondary flavours, enhancing their allure and depth.
Technical Details
Gould Campbell crafts its Ports from a selection of indigenous grape varieties from the Douro Valley, including Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinto Cão, and Tinta Barroca. The distinctive microclimates and geology of the region contribute significantly to the unique flavour profile of their Ports.
Traditional winemaking methods are at the heart of Gould Campbell's process, incorporating foot treading in lagares and controlled fermentation. The fermentation process is halted by the addition of grape spirit, resulting in the signature sweet, fortified character of Port wine.
Gastronomic Suggestions
Gould Campbell's Ports open up a wealth of food pairing possibilities. Their robust Vintage Ports make an excellent match for rich, creamy cheeses and indulgent chocolate desserts. The Tawny Ports, with their distinctive notes of nuts and caramel, complement creamy desserts, blue cheeses, and savoury dishes such as foie gras. The more fruit-driven Ruby and LBV Ports pair wonderfully with a selection of cheeses, nuts, and dried fruits.
Vineyard Practices
Gould Campbell places significant emphasis on sustainable viticultural practices, showcasing respect for the land and the native grape varieties of the Douro Valley. Despite the region's challenging terrain, much of the vineyard work is done manually, preserving the age-old traditions that have crafted the Douro Valley's unique viticultural landscape.
Under the Symington family's guidance, Gould Campbell continues to celebrate its heritage while embracing contemporary winemaking techniques. This combination ensures its revered position in the world of Port wine.
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Symingtons
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1890 / 1892 / 1896 / 1900 / 1904 / 1908 / 1912 / 1917 / 1920 / 1922 / 1924 / 1927 / 1934 / 1942 / 1945 / 1955 / 1960 / 1963 / 1966 / 1970 / 1975 / 1977 / 1980 / 1983 / 1985 / 1991 / 1994 / 1997 / 2000 / 2003 / 2007
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In a discussion of the typical styles of each of the family brands Charles Symington, head winemaker, said that without the tie to a specific quinta and terroir-driven style, Gould Campbell gives him the opportunity to “just have some fun making interesting, satisfying wines.” That said, Gould Campbell’s Vintage Ports tend towards a very full bodied, rich style.
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No Colheita’s have been bottled yet
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Like many of the smaller Port companies, Gould Campbell never owned vineyards in the Douro Valley, relying instead on close links established with farmers, particularly in the Pinhão and Rio Torto Valleys, traditionally the finest Port producing areas. Gould Campbell Vintage Ports often shine in blind tastings and its 1977 is a landmark Vintage Port.
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Symington Family Estates
