2018 Niepoort Charme

A Rare Germ from the Douro

Its elegance and complexity, with enveloping and soft tannins, are a unique expression of the old, fresher, and more sheltered vineyards of Vale de Mendiz, nestled in the valley of Pinhão.

For Dirk Niepoort, the Charme is the ultimate interpretation and a clear display of his passion for the Bourgogne region. Charme is the only still wine produced in the Vale de Mendiz winery, using traditional round granite lagares.

The 2018 harvest will go down in history with the lowest productivity on record from the vineyard, due to atypical weather conditions. Winter was cold and dry, while spring and early summer were very humid and relatively chilly. In addition to these challenges, a strong hailstorm occured in late May and a heatwave in the last few days of July.

Some small batches of wine for Charme were produced in the initial stages of harvest, using only whole bunches and traditional stomping in stone lagares. After a brief maceration period, the alcoholic and malolactic fermentations were completed in French oak barrels, where the wine aged for 15 months before being bottled.

Tasting Note: A brilliant, clear ruby appearance with delicate aromas of cherry and raspberry, alongside elegant earthy notes of forest soil and hints of tea leaves. On the palate, it is refined and intense, with a magnificent freshness and an extremely elegant structure with velvety tannins. With only 10% of new oak in the final blend, the subtle structure imparted by the wood seamlessly integrates with the fruit’s freshness and acidity.

Origin: Douro Valley, Portugal

Alcohol: 12.9%

Blend: Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca