Niepoort LBV 37.5cl

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. 

The growing season year in the Douro and the 2020 harvest at Niepoort will certainly be remembered for the extreme challenges experienced throughout the year, resulting in very low yields in the vineyards. Although the first winter months of November and December 2019 brought some very welcome rains to replenish depleted water levels, in addition to some precipitation in mid-January, the months of January and February were atypically dry and hot. The rains in March and April gave rise to early attacks of mildew and later powdery mildew, which continued until veraison. Overall, the year was considered hot and dry. At the Vale de Mendiz winery, the harvest began on August 31 under favourable conditions and the last grapes were received on September 24. The grapes for LBV 2020 stem from low-production vineyards in the Cima Corgo region of the Douro Valley. They were trodden by foot in granite lagares and the wine was aged in large oak barrels and the traditional pipas in the cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia. The LBV was bottled in its fourth year, maintaining Niepoort’s tradition of giving maximum priority to freshness in its wines. 

On the nose, this wine opens with an alluring bouquet of fresh figs and a subtle floral character, mingled with vibrant aromas of red berries. A refreshing minty undertone adds brightness, while a gentle spicy nuance provides depth. The palate begins with a delightful sweetness, offering rich fruit flavours that gradually evolve into a more dry and spicy finish. THe wine’s nice acidity brings freshness and balance, supporting its elegant structure. Despite its boldness, the wine retains a delicate and complex profile, with layers of flavour unfolding seamlessly from start to finish. 

The perfect partner for chocolate desserts, especially if dark chocolate is used. It also pairs beautifully with Cheddar, Gouda, and Brie cheese as well as aromatic red meat dishes, venison, lamb, veal or pepper steak.