Niepoort Colheita 2003

Learn More About This Wine

Colheita Ports are Tawnies which come from a single vintage and are aged in 550 litre old barrels for a minimum period of seven years prior to bottling. 

In 2003, the harvest had very hot days and also very humid days. The production was high but with small grapes that produced concentrated tannins and colour. Overripe and dry grapes were removed to ensure the finesse of the wine. The grapes of the 2003 Colheita come from low-yielding vineyards in the Cima Corgo region of the Douro Valley. The fruit was foot-stomped in lagares in the Vale de Mendiz cellar. Ageing took place in 550 litre pipa barrels at Vila Nova de Gaia. At Niepoort, the Colheita Ports get typically bottled after a minimum maturation period of 10 years, but the 2003 vintage was aged for even longer thanks to the excellent quality of the wine and its ageing potential. The first bottling took place in April 2023. 

The colour is remarkable, with orange and brick tones and good depth. The nose reveals a matured wine, due to the ageing in pipas (small old oak casks). It has hints of cherry, apricots, orange peel, caramel, spices integrated with smoky notes. The palate is marked by vibrant acidity, structure and an endless spicy finish. 

Pair with dried or preserved fruit, almond tart or desserts based on eggs, coffee or vanilla. Alternatively, serve chilled as an aperitif.