NIEPOORT Charme - Vale de Mendiz, Douro Valley 2022 Bottle ORG (Tinta Roriz and Touriga Franca)

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.

With its pale garnet hue, this wine’s appearance is probably best compared to a Pinot Noir from the Burgundy region. After the outstanding 2021 vintage, 2022 was a difficult year for this style of wine due to its intensity, so this wine owes its success to early harvesting. The nose reveals the complexity of the grape varieties and the old vines making up this blend. First, floral notes appear, followed by aromas of graphite on a base of cherries and rhubarb. The oak is very discreet and balanced out by hints of aromatic herbs which lend the wine complexity and sophistication. The palate offers elegance, precision and structure. A long and lingering finish is accompanied by excellent acidity, promising great ageing potential.