Quinta do Noval latest house to declare 2011 vintage

By Richard Siddle

Published: 14 May, 2013

Quinta do Noval has added its name to the plethora of port producers declaring a vintage for 2011.

Alongside declaring its 2011 'classic' Noval vintage, Quinta do Noval has also taken the rare step of declaring its Nacional Vintage, something it has not done since 2003.

Over the past month, the much-vaunted 2011 vintage has been widely declared by major Port houses, many of which believe the year could be the best for a generation.

"Immediately after the foot treading in the lagares that September, we knew we were in the presence of what could be a great vintage year," said Quinta do Noval managing director Christian Seely.

"The 2011 wines - many made from our replanted sites, now well into maturity - showed excellent aromas, with the true deep rich colour we look for in a wine with magnificent ageing potential," he said.

It was not always so clear that 2011 would turn out well, however. The group said erratic weather through spring and summer, including a prolonged dry
spell in the final weeks before harvest, caused uncertainty among the winemaking team until the very last moments.

Seely also holds a personal stake in Quinta da Romaneira, which has declared the 2011 vintage. The Quinta declared 04, 05, 07 and 08 and described 11 as "an exceptional wine".

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