Niepoort LBV
Learn More About This Wine
The LBV is aged for four to six years in large wooden vats. The winemaking and ageing methods were chosen to match the selection of wines which make up the LBV: full-bodied red Ports stemming from a single vintage. LBV or Late Bottled Vintage is a category of port wines which became popular in the 60s, filling the gap between Ruby and Vintage Ports. The extended ageing period of the LBV allows it to show a rounder and mature character – this wine can therefore be enjoyed young, soon after bottling.
In 2019, rainfall levels were not only low during the winter months but remained so throughout the year. However, in the Douro, and for Niepoort, in the sub-region of Cima Corgo, two factors compensated for this lack of rain. Firstly, the summer months were unusually cool, and secondly, the 26th and 27th of August and, to a lesser extent, the third week of September brought some much-needed rain at just the right time. These conditions resulted in beautifully balanced musts with high acidity levels which will lend the wine freshness and fantastic elegance. At Vale de Mendiz, harvesting began on the 2nd of September, under favourable conditions. The last bunches were brought in during the first week of October. The LBV is bottled in the fourth year – the tradition at Niepoort is to retain plenty of freshness in the wines.
The colour is solid with a ruby hue and violet hints. On the nose, notes of dark chocolate stand out, complemented by aromas of wild fruits, fresh figs, violets and spices. In the mouth it is structured, firm and with an acidity that sets it apart from other wines. It starts sweet and ends almost dry, long, fresh and spicy. This port is an excellent option to open and drink now, but it could also benefit from cellar storage for a few decades as it is bottled with a cylindrical cork.
The perfect partner for chocolate desserts, especially if dark chocolate is used. It will also pair beautifully with cheddar, gouda, and brie cheese as well as aromatic red meat dishes, venison, lamb, veal or pepper steak.
