Description
Niepoort has been an independent family business since its creation in 1842. Today it is led by the fifth generation, Dirk Niepoort, supported by his sons Daniel and Marco. Dirk has been a relentless innovator and creative throughout his time at Niepoort. One of his early priorities was to purchase parcels of old, steep (and often north facing) vineyards in the Douro to give greater control over supply. Quinta de Napoles was purchased in 1987 with thirty hectares and Quinta do Carril followed in 1988 with nine hectares. Niepoort now own over eighty hectares of vineyards in the Douro, all farmed organically.
Charme is a rare Douro wine. Its elegance and complexity, encompassing, soft and ripe tannins are a unique manner in which to express very old vines, the freshest and most sheltered of the Mendiz Valley, in the heart of the river Pinhão valley. Charme is the ultimate interpretation of Dirk Niepoort’s strong passion for the Burgundy region. A signature wine, a unique wine. Charme is the only still wine produced in the Vale de Mendiz winery in the historical round granite wine Lagares.
A light grenade hue accompanies delicate aromas of cherries and strawberries with a subtle aroma of old barrels providing a superb, rustic character. In the mouth, primary fruit aromas, especially cherries, with a silky texture complemented by rustic notes from the old barrels, giving the wine structure and a long, refreshing finish.
THE WINE ADVOCATE 92+ points (June 2021)
:The 2018 Charme is a field blend, heavy on Tinta Roriz and Touriga Franca (especially Tinta Roriz), aged for 12 months in 25% new French barrels. It comes in at 12.9% alcohol. Tight and tannic, this adds a fresh feel. It might be a touch high-toned as well, but both seemed to improve with air. Like its upper-level sibling, the Batuta, this doesn't yet show a lot of expressiveness in terms of its fruit profile in this vintage. It feels substantial and powerful. It certainly requires another couple of years of cellaring, at least, to soften the wine and allow it to become more expressive. Overall, this shows a lot of potential. Buy this if you have the patience for a couple of years of cellaring. There were 9,400 bottles produced from old vines (70 to 100 years).
Drink Date 2023 - 2040
