Fazenda Noval Vintage Nacional 1994 with packaging

This wine is a mysterious phenomenon, a magical wine produced in extremely limited quantities and only a few years out of every decade. It is the expression of a «terroir» and confirms something that for me is a deep conviction. Nacional is great because of the grapes and the land they come from, not because of anything special we do. It has a unique character, an extraordinary intensity and, even after many years of ageing, it retains a surprising youthfulness. Christian Seely, Managing Director

HARVEST CONDITIONS IN 1994
Winter was mild, with enough rain to replenish the water reserves in the soil that were very low. A dry and warm spring provided Noval with steady growth and good flowering. The summer was hot with some rain which provided perfect conditions for maturation. The harvest started on September 19th in ideal conditions, with sunny days and cool nights. The Nacional plot was harvested on the 5th of October. The grapes were in perfect condition and in perfect health. The must immediately showed exceptional quality, with excellent floral aromas and a rich purple color.

VINIFICATION
The wine is made in the same way as the other grapes from the Quinta do Noval vineyard. The grapes are trodden by foot in one of the Quinta's traditional mills to obtain the must and then macerated during fermentation to achieve the best possible extraction.

TEST RESULTS
« Nacional 1994 shows the truth of the legend. It is an incredibly rich and full-bodied wine, but at the same time well-balanced and harmonious. The color is deep ruby. The aroma combines a spicy, floral, red fruit with an ethereal, light, pure and delicate character. In the mouth, its great concentration results in lightness, harmony, with an intense fruit flavor, always on a smooth and velvety background. »
António Agrellos, Technical Director