Niepoort Coche Branco 2023, Douro

Description

Niepoort Coche Branco is Dirk Niepoort’s flagship white wine. It is a wine which aims to reach beyond the expression of its vineyards, region and provenance. A truly world-class wine, think Portuguese Burgundy!

Niepoort Wines: Since 1842

Niepoort Vinhos may be small, but it is a very well-regarded Portuguese wine producer with a rich history dating back to 1842. The company was founded by Franciscus Marius Niepoort from Holland and has been family-owned for six generations. The sixth generation, Daniel, Marco and Ana, have all recently entered the family business. Daniel van der Niepoort is the head winemaker, having taken over from his father, wine-making legend Dirk Niepoort, in 2021.

Port Wine Beginnings

Dirk Niepoort joined the family business in the late 1980s and brought a fresh perspective to the company. Previously, the company was best known for its Port Wines, and particularly their fine, aged Tawny Ports. Dirk recognised the potential of the Douro Valley to produce exceptional table wines, not just fortified wines. Dirk convinced his father to purchase Quinta de Nápoles and Quinta do Carril, plant 15 hectares of new vines, and preserve the 60-year-old vineyards.

A Growing Interest in Douro Wines

He began experimenting with table wines in 1990 and released his first wine, Niepoort Redoma Tinto, in 1991. Dirk’s innovative approach and passion for quality led to the development of a diverse range of still wines not just from the Douro, but also from estates and vineyards including Bairrada, Dao and Açores (Azores).

Niepoort Coche Vineyards: Old Vines & High Altitude

In the hot Douro, the key to the finesse and balance of Niepoort Coche are the old vines and the high altitude (650 to 700m) of the vineyards, which help to maintain balance, acidity and freshness in the wine.

The white grapes are sourced from several different vineyards in the Douro with an average vine age of over 80 years old. The vineyard soils are mica schist, which contributes to the minerality and freshness of the wine. The vineyards are located on the right bank of the Douro River at an altitude of 600 to 750m.

Niepoort Coche Vinification

• Grapes for Niepoort Coche were manually harvested with careful sorting in the vineyard.
• Post-sorting, grapes were transported to the cellar in 25 kg boxes using a temperature-controlled truck to maintain coolness and optimal conditions.
• Grapes were pressed gently at night, with the must left to settle for approximately 48 hours.
• Alcoholic fermentation occurred in French oak barrels (228 L and 550 L), with 50% new oak.
• The wine matured in barrels for 12 months, undergoing partial malolactic fermentation.
• Niepoort Coche is a blend of Douro grape varieties, including Rabigato, Códega do Larinho, Arinto and others.
• Suitable for vegans and vegetarians.