Kopke Late Bottled Vintage Port, 2018

Intense, Silky and Elegant LBV Port 

Deep dark purple colour with a vibrant and intense ruby rim. Aromas of ripe wild berries on the nose, combined with notes of violet, black pepper and hints of eucalyptus leaf. In the mouth, the firm tannins stand out, together with vibrant and crisp acidity. All aromas are perfectly combined, with aftertaste flavours of raspberry, blackberry and apricot, ending in a long and enduring finish, so characteristic of Kopke.

• Blend of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Rriz, Sousao
• LBV is ready to drink as soon as it is bottled and doesn't require decanting

STORY BEHIND THE WINE

Hand-picked at the optimum time, the grapes are then destemmed, crushed and converted into wine through a process of careful maceration to extract their colour, tannins and aromas, enhanced by constant churning during fermentation. This takes place in vats (lagares) at a controlled temperature (between 28-30°C) until the right degree of sweetness (baumé) is achieved. At this point, grape brandy is added to create the final fortified wine. A wine of high quality, made from one single harvest, bottled 4 to 6 years after harvest.

A LBV is ready to drink as soon as it is bottled and doesn't require decanting.  In 1636 German diplomat Nicolau Kopkë travelled with his son Cristiano from Hamburg to Portugal as representatives of the Hanseatic trading League. Two years later the world's oldest Port House was founded: Nicolau Kopkë & Co. In 1781 this was followed by the purchase of a farm in the Douro, marking the transition from shipper to wine producer, which gradually became their main business focus. Befitting their status as the oldest Port House, their bottles are easily recognisable by their traditional and hand-stenciled style, not to mention the excellent port with which they contain.