The Exceptional 2011 Vintage Port: Quinta do Noval Nacional

James' top Port (click here for report) of the newly declared 2011 vintage was Quinta do Noval Nacional. This is a very special Port: It comes from ungrafted rootstock from a two-hectare parcel -- pictured in the video -- at the top of a mountain in the Pinhao Valley. In this video, Christian Seely, managing director of Quinta do Noval as well as all other properties owned by AXA Millésimes, comments on the singularities that make the Quinta do Noval Nacional unique. 

One of the fundamental aspects of the Nacional's singularity is the age of the vines -- 80 years old -- and that they still stand on their original rootstock. However, only two hectares from the 145 that make up Quinta do Noval survived phylloxera, and the reasons behind the vines' endurance still remain a mystery. 

The age of the plants causes the vines to produce lower yields, which in turn gives the wine great levels of concentration. James noted that there is also a textural element in the quality of the tannins that is unique to the Nacional. Only 200 cases are made of this wine, which is only bottled in truly exceptional years. A true gem. 

Watch the video and don't miss out on the fascinating story behind this Port, as well as the stunning landscapes that surround the Quinta.

-JGAL