Cockburn’s
Cockburn's Port: A Remarkable Legacy of the Symington Family
As one of the enduring luminaries of the Port wine world, Cockburn's, under the aegis of the Symington Family Estates, crafts an exceptional range of Ports that reflect the deep-seated legacy and passion of the Symington family. From its inception in 1815, Cockburn's has woven a rich tapestry of tradition and quality, yielding Port wines that echo the unique character of the Douro Valley.
Characteristics: An Odyssey of Flavours
The distinguishing characteristic of Cockburn's Ports lies in their consistent delivery of a remarkable balance between structure and sweetness. The portfolio comprises of an array of styles, including the opulent Vintage Ports, nuanced Tawny Ports, and vibrant Ruby and LBV Ports. Cockburn's Vintage Ports, renowned for their deep ruby color and robust structure, offer a medley of rich black fruit aromas, underpinned by notes of spice and cocoa. Their Tawny Ports provide an elegant contrast, displaying a lighter hue with complex notes of dried fruits, nuts, and honey. The new line called ‘TAILS OF THE UNEXPECTED’ and are now available with interesting bottle designs and crazy modern names such as:
WHITE HEIGHTS - From vineyards on high.
RUBY SOHO - Tradition, reinvented.
TAWNY EYES - The life and soul.
O PROVADOR - Rebellious and original.
The Quinta: Quinta dos Canais
Among the quintas (estates) that form the backbone of Cockburn's, Quinta dos Canais stands out. This 642-acre property in the Douro Superior, renowned for its top-quality Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca, significantly contributes to the dense, concentrated flavors in Cockburn's Ports. The estate's schist soils and high altitude provide the ideal conditions for ripening these grape varieties, imparting the Ports with their distinct character.
Technical Details
Cockburn's Ports feature a blend of native Portuguese grape varieties, including Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Tinta Roriz, among others. The fortification process, which involves adding grape spirit to halt fermentation, ensures the preservation of the wine's natural sweetness. Cockburn's Vintage Ports generally have an alcohol content around 20% and Baume between 3.2 and 3.6.
Gastronomic Suggestions
Cockburn's Ports offer splendid versatility in food pairing. Their Vintage Ports are ideal companions to robust cheeses and rich chocolate desserts, while the Tawny Ports, with their complex nutty flavors, perfectly complement creamy cheeses and caramel-based desserts. The Ruby Ports, with their bright, fruit-forward profiles, pair well with creamy blue cheeses and rich berry desserts.
Vineyard Practices
At Cockburn's, there is a profound respect for the land and the indigenous grape varieties. The vineyard practices are focused on sustainability, maintaining harmony with the unique terroir of the Douro Valley. The steep, terraced vineyards necessitate hand-harvesting, ensuring optimal fruit selection and preservation of the vineyard's ecosystem.
Notable Vintage Years and Producers
Cockburn's Vintage Ports are esteemed expressions of their exceptional years. The 2007 Vintage, a gold-medal winner, is renowned for its elegance and longevity. The 2011 Vintage, another standout, reflects the superb quality of the harvest and the meticulous craftsmanship of the winemakers. Under the guidance of the Symington family, Cockburn's continues to uphold its esteemed reputation, delivering Ports that encapsulate the unique allure of the Douro Valley.
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Charles Symington
Bernardo Nápoles
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1890/ 1894/ 1896/ 1900/ 1904/ 1908/ 1912/ 1927/ 1931/ 1935/ 1947/ 1950/ 1955/ 1960/ 1963/ 1967/ 1970/ 1975/ 1983/ 1985/ 1991/ 1994/ 1997/ 2000/ 2003/ 2007/ 2011/ 2015/ 2016/ 2017
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TRUE 'GRIP'
Grip is a term frequently used to describe our ports. The tale traces back to John Smithes, our esteemed blender, taster, and expert in all things wine. It was during his tenure at Vila Nova de Gaia that he first uttered this phrase, referring to the length and exceptional quality of a wine's finish - a trait he deeply cherished, both in port and in life.
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Cockburns has not yet put a colheita on the market
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Quinta do Vale Coelho
Quinta dos Canais
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Symington Family Estates
