Niepoort Ruby Port, Porto, Portugal NV

Niepoort's Ruby Port is highly regarded as a classic, approachable Port that offers excellent value and showcases the traditional style of Ruby Port. It is a versatile wine that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with desserts like chocolate or berry-based dishes.

• Winemaker: José Nogueira, Nicholas Delaforce. Dirk Niepoort is the head winemaker at Niepoort, a well-respected family-owned producer in the Douro Valley, Portugal. The Niepoort family has been making wine since 1842, and Dirk represents the fifth generation. He is known for combining traditional techniques with modern winemaking approaches to create distinctive and high-quality wines.
• Farming: Biodynamic
  
• Variety: Traditional Douro Varieties: The Niepoort Ruby Port is typically made from a blend of traditional grape varieties native to the Douro Valley, including: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo), Tinta Cão, Tinta Barroca, and often small amounts of additional indigenous varieties. 
  
• Terroir: Douro Valley: The grapes are sourced from vineyards in the Douro Valley, which is known for its steep, terraced vineyards and schist soils. The region’s unique terroir, with its hot summers and cool nights, contributes to the concentration and complexity of the wines.
  
• Vinification: Foot treading in traditional granite lagares (open-top stone fermentation tanks), which helps to extract maximum color, tannin, and flavor from the grapes. The fermentation is usually short (only a few days) to preserve the natural sweetness of the grapes. It is stopped by the addition of grape spirit (aguardente), which fortifies the wine and leaves a high level of residual sugar.
  
• Aging: The Ruby Port is aged for about 3 years in large, old wooden vats (also known as "balseiros") before being bottled. These large vats allow the wine to retain its deep color and fresh, fruity character, as they limit the amount of oxygen exposure during aging.
  
• Tasting Note: Niepoort believes that the colour of the Port should be inspired by the "ruby stone". Fresh, young and fruity with aromas of dark fruits like blackberries, plums, and cherries, with subtle notes of spice and chocolate. The palate is rich and full-bodied with vibrant fruit flavors, balanced sweetness, and a lively acidity that keeps the wine fresh and lively. The tannins are smooth and well-integrated with a long, fruity finish with a hint of spice.