Quinta de Ventozelo
Quinta de Ventozelo: Celebrating the Richness of Douro Valley Port Wines
Nestled in the heart of Portugal's Douro Valley, Quinta de Ventozelo is a winery of remarkable heritage and exceptional craft. It stands as one of the oldest and most extensive estates in the region, with vineyard records dating back to 1569. The winery's illustrious history and the dedicated efforts of its current custodians have culminated in a portfolio of outstanding wines, each exuding its unique terroir.
In this article, we delve into Quinta de Ventozelo's renowned port wines - the Late Bottled Vintage and the Vintage - and shed light on their vineyards, food pairings, winemaking processes, and the rich history that shapes these exceptional wines.
Quinta de Ventozelo Late Bottled Vintage
Quinta de Ventozelo's Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) is a true embodiment of the winery's commitment to quality and tradition. Made from grapes harvested in a single year, this port is aged in large oak vats for four to six years, longer than a typical vintage port, before it's bottled. This extended maturation period allows the wine to settle and evolve, resulting in a port that is ready to drink upon release yet holds potential for further aging in the bottle.
The vineyards for LBV are located on the steep, terraced hillsides of the Douro Valley, characterized by schistose soils that imbue the grapes with intense flavor and depth. Quinta de Ventozelo’s winemaking team meticulously selects the finest grapes, demonstrating the diversity and excellence of the estate's terroirs.
The Ventozelo LBV, with its rich and robust character, is an excellent companion to various food pairings. It shines alongside strong cheeses, dark chocolate desserts, and richly flavored meat dishes.
Quinta de Ventozelo Vintage
The Quinta de Ventozelo Vintage is the apex of the winery's craftsmanship, created only in years when the grapes achieve the highest levels of excellence. These ports are renowned for their power, complexity, and longevity, capable of evolving and improving over several decades in the bottle.
The grapes used in Ventozelo's Vintage ports are sourced from select plots within the estate's expansive vineyards, chosen for their unique microclimates and soil profiles that contribute to the exceptional quality of the fruit. The winemaking process is rooted in traditional practices, including foot-treading in granite lagares, which aids in the gentle extraction of color, tannins, and flavors from the skins.
A Ventozelo Vintage port is an indulgent experience, whether savored by itself or enjoyed with blue cheeses, rich chocolate desserts, or even robust meat dishes. The wine's potent fruit flavors, firm structure, and remarkable complexity make it a fascinating exploration for any port wine enthusiast.
The Quinta de Ventozelo Legacy
The history of Quinta de Ventozelo is a rich tapestry woven over centuries. It's a narrative of transformation, from its origins as a modest estate to becoming one of the Douro Valley's most significant wineries. Over the years, the winery has cultivated a deep understanding of its terroir, allowing it to craft wines that truly reflect the land's unique character.
Today, Quinta de Ventozelo continues to balance tradition with innovation. Its winemaking approach combines time-honored practices with modern techniques, ensuring each wine encapsulates the richness of its vineyards. Through their Late Bottled Vintage and Vintage port wines, Quinta de Ventozelo invites you to partake in their journey, savoring the essence of the Douro Valley in each sip.
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José Manuel Sousa Soares
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Quinta de Ventozelo
1998 / 1999 / 2001 / 2006 / 2008 / 2009 / 2012 / 2015 / 2016 / 2017 / 2018 / 2019 / 2020
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No Colheita's have been bottled
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Quinta de Ventozelo
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Grand Cruz
