Growing Conditions

Some of the grapes come from the Quinta do Noval vineyard, the rest from A-rated vineyards at the heart of the Douro valley.

Quinta do Noval benefits from a privileged position in the heart of the Douro Valley.


The vineyard of 192 hectares which is entirely classified letter A, is planted with the noblest grape varieties of the Douro : Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinto Cão, Sousão.


The parcels of the vineyard possess a rich geographical diversity:
. altitude : from 100 to 500 m
. exposition : all the points of the compass
. the soil : schist mixed in varying degrees with a little clay


This confers particular nuances on the wines according to the parcel they come from. The blending of these nuances results in the magic of the wines of Quinta do Noval.

Today, the parcels are replanted in single grape variety plots to suit each individual parcel of land, according to three principal factors : the altitude, the exposition and the type of planting the vine.


The magnificent old terraces made with schiste stone still represent Quinta do Noval's vineyard.

Quinta do Noval is the only historic Port Shipper to use the name of its vineyard and to produce a Vintage Port from one single vineyard, when declared.

Winemaking

A blend of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinto Cão, Sousão.

50% of the grapes were trodden by foot and fermented in the traditional "lagares" of the Quinta. The other 50% were vinified by pumping over in stainless steel vats with temperature controlled at 24°C.

Aging

Noval Black is a blend of wines with an average of 2 to 3 years, aged in wooden and stainless steel vats to preserve its freshness.

Nose

The aromas are purple-black while the flavors are pure black cherry. There are ripe blackberries, tar, smoke and orange liqueur on the nose as it opens.

Palate

The palate is medium-bodied, very sleek on the entry, fleshy black fruits, sloe, spice and just a hint of white pepper, leading to a very focused finish. Acidity spices it up and adds to the juiciness of the finish. It's plump in the middle and supple all the way through, ending on fruit-skin tannin and a touch of chocolate from oak.

Food Pairing

Noval Black Reserve is a new way to drink port, a new-age port destined to be enjoyed with dark chocolate or simply drunk chilled, used also as a cocktail ingredient.

A clear expression of the Noval style, no ageing and no decanting necessary. No complications, just a great glass of Port.