From: Douro Valley, Portugal
Blend: 35% Touriga Nacional, 33% Touriga Franca, 18% Alicante Bouschet, 8% Old Vines (Field Blend), and 6% Tinta Amarela
Critical Acclaim: #66 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2022
Typical blackcurrant and lavender aromas with traces of fennel, whose fragrance is often carried by the breeze in the vineyards at Vesúvio. On the palate the wine delivers mouth-filling ripe black fruit flavors; opulent and velvety, although with substantial volume and weighty structure. Very polished tannins provide a satisfyingly long, silky finish.
Blend: 35% Touriga Nacional, 33% Touriga Franca, 18% Alicante Bouschet, 8% Old Vines (Field Blend), 6% Tinta Amarela
WS 96 Wine Spectator
This is really vivid, with a beautiful range of cassis, cherry purée, boysenberry coulis and plum reduction notes unfurling across the palate while succulent licorice, warm fruitcake and enticing red and black tea.
WE 94 Wine Enthusiast
One of the Douro's grandest quintas has produced a powerful, structured wine that shows concentration and density. The aromas and dark fruits speak to the Touriga Nacional in the blend, giving a Port that is destined for long-term aging. Drink from 2030.
Cellar Selection
Taste: Quinta do Vesuvio Vintage Port 2019 is a blend of 35% Touriga Nacional, 33% Touriga Franca, 18% Alicante Bouschet, 8% Old Vines (Field Blend), and 6% Tinta Amarela. The wine reveals typical blackcurrant and lavender aromas with hints of fennel - a scent often carried by the breeze in the vineyards of Vesuvio. Opulent and velvety, the wine is mouth-filling with ripe black fruit flavors, and a weighty structure supports its substantial volume. The tannins are polished, leading to a satisfyingly long and silky finish.
This Vintage Port garnered critical acclaim, securing a spot as #66 on the Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2022 with a 96-point score. Additionally, Wine Enthusiast rated it 94 points, mentioning its potential for long-term aging.
James Molesworth of Wine Spectator elucidated its vivid nature, with a range of cassis, cherry purée, boysenberry coulis, and plum reduction notes unfurling across the palate, harmonized by succulent licorice, warm fruitcake, and enticing red and black tea notes. He recommends enjoying it from 2040 through 2060.
Pairing: Quinta do Vesuvio Vintage Port 2019 pairs excellently with small bites rather than heavy meals. Opt for bruschetta with figs and dates stuffed with blue cheese. Blue cheeses such as Maytag, Gorgonzola, and Roquefort highlight the wine's richness. Should you want to serve this alongside dinner, we’ve included a recipe below!
A dessert pairing can include a simple selection of dried fruits, nuts, and truffles.
For a more indulgent experience, match the Port’s flavors with a dark chocolate cake layered with salted caramel buttercream, smoky roasted nuts, or a coffee flan.
Lamb Shank Tagine With Dates
By David Tanis
About. In the illustrious Douro Valley, with its steep terraced vineyards overlooking the Douro River, lies the Quinta do Vesuvio estate - where tradition reigns supreme. Established in 1827, the winery continues to produce Port exclusively using the ancient method of foot treading in granite lagares. As one enters the grand winery, the eight granite lagares, each with the capacity to hold 25 pipes (1 pipe is 550 liters), bear testament to the winemaking traditions that have remained unbroken for centuries.
The 2019 Quinta do Vesuvio Vintage Port, crafted by winemakers Charles Symington and José Luís Cavalheiro, is a shining example of the mastery that comes from marrying tradition with impeccable viticulture.
The 2019 Vintage Year
2019 was challenging for the Douro Valley, with a dry spell countered by cooler summer temperatures. This led to the vines struggling to achieve full ripeness. However, providential showers on August 25th helped revitalize the grapes, which were harvested in early September. This resulted in an exceptional harvest, particularly for the Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca varieties, which exhibited great concentration and expressive aromas.
The Heritage
Quinta do Vesuvio’s rich heritage dates back to 1565. It flourished under the guidance of Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira, who, after the death of her husband, turned it into the showpiece Quinta of the Douro. Her legacy lives on, with the Symington family purchasing Quinta do Vesuvio in 1989. They uphold the traditions and release only the finest wines as single Quinta Vintage Ports.
In Conclusion
The 2019 Quinta do Vesuvio Vintage Port is a testament to the grandeur of the Douro Valley and its age-old traditions. Its luscious palate, underpinned by structure and elegance, is a tribute to the land, the heritage, and the art of making exceptional Port wine. This bottle is a treasure for collectors and enthusiasts, promising to evolve gracefully through the decades.
