Niepoort Garrafeira

Learn More About This Wine

The second generation of the Niepoort family, in the late 19th century, had the fortunate idea of buying from a German glass factory in Oldenburg about 4000 glass balloons (in the form of old apothecary’ bottles) of dark-green glass with varying capacities from 8 to 11 litres. Eduard Karel Jacob van der Niepoort died early and it was his son, Eduard Marius van der Niepoort, Dirk’s grandfather, who gave purpose to the demijohns by bottling the best wines of the 1931 harvest, thus creating the type “Garrafeira Niepoort”. Since the distant year of 1931 to this day the maturation in demijohns, sealed with a cork, has been closely watched, it is almost a “sacred” ritual for both the Niepoort and the Nogueira families. Garrafeira is not just a wine; it means by itself quality far above the traditional canons. The taste reveals a great mixture of sensations, aromas and flavours with a perfect balance between youth and experience, between the novelty of the fruit and the “good old age” that only long years of ageing can achieve. 

Following a hot dry summer, grapes were in good condition at the time of harvest, if somewhat on the ripe side. Some dense coloured wines were made, ideal for a long period of ageing. 

Typical Niepoort Garrafeira style, youthful with a vibrant dark cherry colour but starting to show a seductive amber hue. Slightly fruity on the nose, as a result of only 4 years in casks before being transferred to Demijohns. Showing early stages of bottle maturation, with hints of tobacco and delicate candied fruit. 

Fresh and vibrant in the mouth, with a beautiful balance between sweetness and acidity. Hints of delicate berries, a long and smooth finish.