Quinta do Noval Vintage Nacional 2011

ONE OF THE BEST WINES IN THE WORLD AND ONE OF THE MOST AWARDED WINES
THE TERROIR

A small plot of freestanding vines, in the heart of the Quinta do Noval vineyard, untouched by phylloxera. The word “Nacional” refers to the fact that these Portuguese vines grow exclusively in the Douro on Portuguese soil, without American rootstock, and therefore directly “rooted in the soil of the Nation”. This great wine is a source of pride for the Portuguese people and when at its best it is the highest expression of Quinta do Noval's extraordinary terroir.

HARVEST CONDITIONS IN 2011

There are no “easy years” in the Douro Valley, but although the end result was a magnificent wine, 2011 was actually a year full of challenges particularly in the vineyard and maximum vigilance was required to produce this great
Porto Vintage 2011.

From October 2010 to September 2011, the total rainfall was 743mm, slightly above the average of the last 30 years (596mm), but much lower than in 2010 (1254mm). 85% of this precipitation fell during the winter, a factor that was very positive, as it replenished the water reserves in the soil in depth. In contrast, the weather was very dry the rest of the year, and from spring to autumn, only in summer were temperatures moderate.

In general, we can say that in 2011- the recorded temperatures were not higher than those of 2010. However, there were a series of extreme conditions that marked the climate, such as periodic heat waves, night temperatures
elevations and strong, dry winds.

June was very irregular. In the second half, temperatures between 30 and 40oC originated a heat wave that caused burning in the most exposed bunches, especially in Tinta Barroca (30%). In July (very windy) and August, temperatures were relatively normal offering cool nights. For more than three months we had virtually no rain. Water was necessary for maturation to complete. Fortunately, on the 21st of August, 19.6 mm of rain fell on Noval, which provided the necessary moisture for maturation to resume its course.

We started the white grape harvest on the 27th of August. On the 1st of September the rain returned. As all the weather forecasts were positive, we decided to postpone the harvest for a week, to allow the vines to take advantage of this humidity for the grapes to complete their maturation. It was a wise decision as the harvest continued until the end under a hot and glorious sun.
true rich and deep color and excellent intense fruit aromas. We knew then, without a doubt, that we were potentially in the presence of a great year.
The Nacional was harvested on the 10th of October, with perfectly healthy and ripe grapes, which, when crushed in the mill, showed an extraordinary aromatic intensity, color and concentration.

TEST RESULTS

"Strong personality, distinct and striking, with an enormous presence where the tannins are powerful yet refined and the fruit very intense, pure and concentrated. A balance that explodes in the mouth..." António Agrellos, Technical Director