2006 was not a hot year in general but with good amount of humidity. Maturation process started slowly and a small rain during middle August was just perfect to balance harvest. Nevertheless high temperatures occurred during last week. After careful selection, all the grapes were vinified in stainless steel, with total maceration from 8 to 12 days. 20% of the wine aged for 12 month in French oak, 2nd and 3rd year barrels and the rest 80% was kept in stainless steel vats.

It is a dark ruby wine with an intense dark and red fruit aroma with spicy character. On the palate, it is young, appealing and fresh, with fruity tannins, good acidity and appealing structure.

Producer

Niepoort (Vinhos) S.A.

Region

Douro

Soil Type

Schist

Vineyards

Several

Average Vine Age

10 to 40 years

Grape Varieties

Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Amarela, Tinta Barroca and Tinto Cão

Vines per HA

4000

Pruning Method

Guyot

Alt. from Sea Level

100-400

Harvest Period

September

Harvest Method

Hand picked

Malolactic

Barrels and stainless steel vats

Fermentation

Lagar (wine press tanks)

Bottled

March 2007

Ageing

12 months in french oak casks (20%) and stainless steel (80%)

Dry Extract (g/dm³)

28

Residual Sugar (g/dm³)

2.1

Alcohol (%)

13

pH

3.65

Total Acidity (g/dm³)

4.92

Volatile Acidity (g/dm³)

0.46

Free SO₂ at Bottling (mg/dm³)

23

Production

40.000 bottles

2007 was an amazing year for the Douro region, with good amount of rainfall during the year and cool temperatures during the maturation season, it gave us very elegant wines but with high concentration level due to the low yields all over Douro. The wines were fermented in stainless steel vats with 10 to 15 days of skin contact, only 20% was aged in French oak barrels.

It is a dark ruby wine with an intense red fruit aroma and spicy character. On the palate it is

young, dense, with appealing freshness and juicy tannins, good acidity and attractive structure.

Producer

Niepoort (Vinhos) S.A.

Region

Douro

Soil Type

Schist

Vineyards

Several

Average Vine Age

10 to 40 years

Grape Varieties

Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Amarela and others

Vines per HA

4000

Pruning Method

Guyot and Royat

Alt. from Sea Level

100-400

Harvest Period

September

Harvest Method

Hand picked

Malolactic

Barrels and stainless steel vats

Fermentation

Stainless steel vats

Bottled

February 2008

Ageing

12 months in French oak casks (20%) and stainless steel (80%)

Dry Extract (g/dm³)

28.7

Residual Sugar (g/dm³)

2.4

Alcohol (%)

13

pH

3.65

Total Acidity (g/dm³)

4.96

Volatile Acidity (g/dm³)

0.48

Free SO₂ at Bottling (mg/dm³)

28

Production

3.000 bottles

2008 was an unusual fresh and damp year for Douro region standards. As a result we had a slow and very balanced maturation process in the vineyards, with very good weather during harvest and ideal conditions to produce fantastic Douro wines. Grapes were picked during September and beginning of October, fermentation occurred in stainless steel vats with maceration periods between 8 to 15 days. Only 20% of the wine aged during 12 months in used French oak barrels.

This is a dark ruby wine, with intense red fruit and spicy aromas, along with a schist stony character. On the palate, is vibrant and appealing, with juicy tannins and very good acidity that provides long lasting aftertaste.

Producer

Niepoort (Vinhos) S.A.

Region

Douro

Soil Type

Schist

Vineyards

Several

Average Vine Age

10 to 40 years

Grape Varieties

Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Amarela and others

Vines per HA

4000

Pruning Method

Guyot and Royat

Alt. from Sea Level

100-500

Harvest Period

September

Harvest Method

Hand picked

Malolactic

Barrels and stainless steel vats

Fermentation

Stainless steel vats

Bottled

May 2010

Ageing

12 months in French oak casks (20%) and stainless steel (80%)

Dry Extract (g/dm³)

27.4

Residual Sugar (g/dm³)

2.4

Alcohol (%)

13

pH

3.65

Total Acidity (g/dm³)

5.05

Volatile Acidity (g/dm³)

0.53

Free SO₂ at Bottling (mg/dm³)

25

Production

9.000 bottles

2009 was a very fresh year until the beginning of August. A good amount of water in the soil and a cold weather, unusual in the Douro Valley, was leading us to a long maturation season. But incredible high temperatures from 12th of August onwards, resulted in a very fast maturation process all over the region without any shrivel berry. Harvest started earlier, in the beginning of September.

The fermentation occurred in stainless still vats, with 8 to 15 days of total skin contact. Only 20% of the wine aged in used French oak barrels.

The color is darker than the previous year and reveals intense red and black fruit aromas with spicy and wet stone notes. On the palate the wine is rich but fresh with soft tannins and an excellent acidity providing a long lasting after taste.

Producer

Niepoort (Vinhos) S.A.

Region

Douro

Soil Type

Schist

Vineyards

Several

Average Vine Age

10 to 40 years

Grape Varieties

Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Amarela and others

Vines per HA

4000

Pruning Method

Guyot and Royat

Alt. from Sea Level

100-500

Harvest Period

September

Harvest Method

Hand picked

Malolactic

Barrels and stainless steel vats

Fermentation

Stainless steel vats

Bottled

May 2011

Ageing

12 months in French oak casks (20%) and stainless steel (80%)

Dry Extract (g/dm³)

28.9

Residual Sugar (g/dm³)

2.2

Alcohol (%)

13.5

pH

3.66

Total Acidity (g/dm³)

5.06

Volatile Acidity (g/dm³)

0.57

Free SO₂ at Bottling (mg/dm³)

35

Production

50.000 bottles

2010 was uncommonly wet during winter and early spring, with heavy rains during these months. As a consequence there was a high pressure on the vineyard diseases together with higher yields. The maturation period was very hot and dry, but fortunately, light rain in the first days of September as well as the amount of grapes in the vineyards contributed to a balanced maturation process.

The fermentation occurred in stainless still vats, with 8 to 15 days of total skin contact. Only 25% of the wine aged in used French oak barrels and in bigger old wood containers of 3500 L and 500 L during 14 months.

Ruby color, with plenty of red fruit and tea leaf aromas. Spicy character with strong pepper notes and a typical mineral aroma of slate soil. Very fresh on the palate with a good length, good structure and well integrated tannins. Great vivacity that enhances the fresh fruit flavors and extends the after taste.

Producer

Niepoort (Vinhos) S.A.

Region

Douro

Soil Type

Schist

Vineyards

Several

Average Vine Age

10 to 40 years

Grape Varieties

Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Amarela and others

Vines per HA

4000

Pruning Method

Guyot and Royat

Alt. from Sea Level

100-500

Harvest Period

September

Harvest Method

Hand picked

Malolactic

Barrels and stainless steel vats

Fermentation

Stainless steel vats

Bottled

April 2012

Ageing

14 months in French oak barrels and big old wood deposits (25%), stainless steel (75%)

Dry Extract (g/dm³)

27.4

Residual Sugar (g/dm³)

2.2

Alcohol (%)

13

pH

3.7

Total Acidity (g/dm³)

4.9

Volatile Acidity (g/dm³)

0.6

Free SO₂ at Bottling (mg/dm³)

34

Production

50.000 bottles

The agricultural year in 2011 will be remembered for relatively low precipitation during the winter and an unusually early bud burst in March along with the sudden extreme heat in June which literally led to burnt clusters in exposed and early varieties such as Tinta Barroca. Although July and the end of August was relatively cool with some light precipitation in the final days of August and the first few days of September; as of mid September (when picking was well under way) temperatures picked up,luckily higher planted vineyards (the predominant source of fruit for Dialogo ) experienced a slower more even maturation, avoiding the problems of overripe fruit.

The fermentation occurred in stainless steel vats, with 8 to 15 days of total skin contact and 10% of the wine was aged in 225 L used French oak barrels for 18 months.

Brick red colour with a lively blue rim,delicate resinous aroma with balsamic notes. A refreshing minerality dominates the palate with hints of spice leading to a firm finish, overall the wine is dominated by freshness and acidity and integration.

Producer

Niepoort (Vinhos) S.A.

Region

Douro

Soil Type

Schist

Vineyards

Several

Average Vine Age

10 to 40 years

Grape Varieties

Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Amarela and others

Vines per HA

4000

Pruning Method

Guyot and Royat

Alt. from Sea Level

100-500

Harvest Period

September

Harvest Method

Hand picked

Malolactic

Barrels and stainless steel vats

Fermentation

Stainless steel vats

Bottled

April 2013

Ageing

18 months in 225 L used French oak barrels (10%) and the rest in stainless steel.

Dry Extract (g/dm³)

30.5

Residual Sugar (g/dm³)

0.8

Alcohol (%)

13.5

pH

3.69

Total Acidity (g/dm³)

5.2

Volatile Acidity (g/dm³)

0.6

Free SO₂ at Bottling (mg/dm³)

26

Total SO₂ (mg/dm³)

74

Volumic Mass (g/cm³)

0.9919

Food Suggestions

White meats. Vegetarian suggestions: noodles, pasta dishes.

All agricultural years are different with certain defining moments, in the case of 2012, what probably marked the year, were the first three months, when less than 20 mm of rain fell in the Cima Corgo, while it could be expected that the figure would be nearer 250 mm. Furthermore no rain fell during the month of February. As a consequence the budburst was 15 days later than in the previous year and all the cycle was delayed along with rain in April and May, leading to a troubled fruit set. Intense heat at the end of June meant that exposed clusters suffered from sunburn.  The Summer was not hot and the nights were cooler than usual in the last 2 weeks of August.

The weather during the harvest was fine with rain only on 23rd and 25th of September, luckily the weather cleared again and there was no problems of berry splitting and subsequent rot, in fact the rain benefited fruit quality along with the move to higher altitude vineyards. The low level of winter rainfall during the year and the subsequent low soil humidity meant disease incidence was low and on the whole, fruit being received was sound and free from the effects of mildew and oidium.            

The fermentation occurred in stainless steel vats, with 8 to 15 days of total skin contact and 10% of the wine was aged in 225 L used French oak barrels for 12 months.

Red appearance with a very alive purple/red rim. The aroma is dominated by finesse, some unripe fruit character integrated with balsamic notes. On the palate the wine is well structured, uncomplicated and refreshing and the low level of wood contact allows the fruit and minerality of the wine to express itself. The middle palate is quite firm with good depth, while the finish exhibits complexity, medium length and superb freshness and acidity on the finish.

Producer

Niepoort (Vinhos) S.A.

Region

Douro

Soil Type

Schist

Vineyards

Several

Average Vine Age

10 to 40 years

Grape Varieties

Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Amarela and others

Vines per HA

4000

Pruning Method

Guyot and Royat

Alt. from Sea Level

100-500

Harvest Period

September

Harvest Method

Hand picked

Malolactic

Barrels and stainless steel vats

Fermentation

Stainless steel vats

Bottled

November  2013

Ageing

12 months in 225 L used French oak barrels (10%) and the rest in stainless steel.

Dry Extract (g/dm³)

28.1

Residual Sugar (g/dm³)

1.8

Alcohol (%)

13

pH

3.67

Total Acidity (g/dm³)

4.8

Volatile Acidity (g/dm³)

0.5

Free SO₂ at Bottling (mg/dm³)

24

Total SO₂ (mg/dm³)

62

Volumic Mass (g/cm³)

0.9922

Food Suggestions

White meats. Vegetarian suggestions: noodles, pasta dishes.

The 2013 harvest began on August 19, earlier than usual, in order to maintain the high levels of acidity and avoid high alcoholic degrees. The year was more productive, about 25% when compared to the previous year. The decision to start harvest earlier turned out to be wise, since the main vineyards had already been harvested before it started raining intensely on September 27.

The grapes were picked at optimum ripeness, with high acidity contents and balanced sugar levels; after selection, the stalk was total. The fermentation took place in stainless steel vats with 8-15 days of skin maceration. 15% of the wine was aged in French oak used barrels for 12 months.

Very vivid ruby color, of medium concentration. Vibrant in the nose, scented with a fresh and very expressive aroma in the wild fruit notes. Spices and tea leaves harmoniously linked with a balsamic profile, originate a complex and captivating aroma. In the mouth, more elegant than the previous edition, has a markedly mineral profile. With a good mouth volume, young, with good acidity and soft tannins, is a feel like tasting wine, without being heavy thanks to its balance. Long finish, with a very refreshing mineral flavor.

Producer

Niepoort (Vinhos) S.A.

Region

Douro

Soil Type

Schist

Vineyards

Several

Average Vine Age

10 to 40 years

Grape Varieties

Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Amarela and others

Vines per HA

4000

Pruning Method

Guyot and Royat

Alt. from Sea Level

100-400

Harvest Period

September

Harvest Method

Hand picked

Malolactic

Barrels and stainless steel vats

Fermentation

Stainless steel vats

Bottled

September 2014

Ageing

12 months in French oak barrels (20%) and stainless steel vats (80%)

Dry Extract (g/dm³)

28.7

Alcohol (%)

13

pH

3.72

Total Acidity (g/dm³)

4.7

Volatile Acidity (g/dm³)

0.6

Free SO₂ at Bottling (mg/dm³)

28

Total SO₂ (mg/dm³)

69

Volumic Mass (g/cm³)

0.9921

Food Suggestions

White meats. Vegetarian suggestions: noodles, pasta dishes.

The 2014 harvest was slightly lower in production but certainly made up for it in quality. Harvest began in early September, in order to maintain the high levels of acidity, balance and freshness in the wines. As in the previous year, the early start avoided rain later in the month and overripe fruit in some more exposed vineyards.

The grapes were picked at optimum ripeness, with high acidity contents and balanced sugar levels. After selection, the fruit was 100% destemmed and the fermentation took place in stainless steel vats with 8 to 15 days of skin maceration. 15% of the wine was aged in used French oak barrels for 12 months.

Medium red colour, expressive on the aroma with some floral undertones and aromas of dark fruits of the forest, dominated by a fresh, spicy, balsamic profile. On the palate, it is more elegant than the previous edition, with a markedly mineral profile. With a superb drinkability owing to its balance and elegance, this wine very much exhibits the uncomplicated style that we set out to achieve.

Producer

Niepoort (Vinhos) S.A.

Region

Douro

Soil Type

Schist

Vineyards

Several

Average Vine Age

10 to 40 years

Grape Varieties

Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Amarela and others

Vines per HA

4000

Pruning Method

Guyot and Royat

Alt. from Sea Level

100-500

Harvest Period

September

Harvest Method

Hand picked

Malolactic

Barrels and stainless steel vats

Fermentation

Stainless steel vats

Ageing

12 months in French oak barrels (20%) and stainless steel vats (80%)

Dry Extract (g/dm³)

26.8

Residual Sugar (g/dm³)

0.6

Alcohol (%)

13

pH

3.63

Total Acidity (g/dm³)

4.7

Volatile Acidity (g/dm³)

0.7

Free SO₂ at Bottling (mg/dm³)

28

Total SO₂ (mg/dm³)

73

Volumic Mass (g/cm³)

0.9924

Food Suggestions

White meats. Vegetarian suggestions: noodles, pasta dishes.

2015 was a superb year in the vineyard with good levels of rainfall in the winter and a relatively dry growing season, hence the low level of precipitation meant disease incidence was low; a relatively early veraison in July led to an early harvest in September before the onset of rain in the middle of the month, fruit was in optimum condition and picked well before the rain, in order to maintain the high levels of acidity, balance and freshness in the wines.

The grapes were picked at optimum ripeness, with high acidity contents and balanced sugar levels. After selection, the fruit was 100% destemmed and the fermentation took place in stainless steel vats with 8 to 15 days of skin maceration. 15% of the wine was aged in used French oak barrels for 12 months.

Medium brick red colour, with a wonderful fresh, active aroma, and a clean precise aroma of dark cherries with some floral undertones and a spicy, balsamic rustic profile. On the palate, it is more robust than the previous year, with a markedly rustic profile. Once again a superb drinkability owing to its balance and elegance, this wine very much exhibits the uncomplicated style that we set out to achieve.

Producer

Niepoort (Vinhos) S.A.

Region

Douro

Soil Type

Schist

Vineyards

Several

Average Vine Age

10 to 40 years

Grape Varieties

Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Amarela and others

Vines per HA

4000

Pruning Method

Guyot and Royat

Alt. from Sea Level

100-500

Harvest Period

September

Harvest Method

Hand picked

Malolactic

Barrels and stainless steel vats

Fermentation

Stainless steel vats

Ageing

12 months in French oak barrels (20%) and stainless steel vats (80%)

Residual Sugar (g/dm³)

0.6

Alcohol (%)

13

pH

3.74

Total Acidity (g/dm³)

4.6

Volatile Acidity (g/dm³)

0.5

Free SO₂ at Bottling (mg/dm³)

23

Total SO₂ (mg/dm³)

54

Volumic Mass (g/cm³)

0.9922

Allergens

Sulfitos

Food Suggestions

White meats. Vegetarian suggestions: noodles, pasta dishes.

2017 was a year of extreme drought. We began picking the grapes on 10 September and finished on 10 October – a very short and intense harvest. The grapes for the Diálogo stem from various sites in the sub-region of Cima Corgo. The fruit was picked at optimal ripeness and with an ideal acidity/sugar ratio. After arriving at the Quinta de Nápoles, the grapes were carefully destemmed and fermented in stainless steel tanks under controlled temperatures for approximately one week. A portion of the wine was matured in French oak barriques whereas the rest of the wine remained in stainless steel for about 6 months.

With a medium deep ruby colour, the 2017 vintage of the Diálogo offers generous and expressive fruits of the forest. Fresh and balsamic in character, accompanied by floral notes, it displays the typical aromas of the Douro’s grape varieties.

The palate is elegant, light-bodied and subtle, with very gentle tannins and an unmistakeable mineral profile. Its pleasant acidity and fruity freshness make this an easy and uncomplicated wine which does not weigh heavy on the palate but rather entices you to pour another glass.

Producer

Niepoort (Vinhos) S.A

Region

Douro

Soil Type

Schist

Average Vine Age

10-40 years

Grape Varieties

Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Amarela

Vines per HA

4000

Pruning Method

Guyot and Royat

Alt. from Sea Level

100-500

Harvest Period

September

Harvest Method

Manual

Malolactic

In barriques and stainless steel tanks

Fermentation

In stainless steel tanks

Bottled

From July 2018 to February 2019

Ageing

6 months

Dry Extract (g/dm³)

31.3

Residual Sugar (g/dm³)

0.6

Alcohol (%)

14.1

pH

3.68

Total Acidity (g/dm³)

5.4

Volatile Acidity (g/dm³)

0.5

Free SO₂ at Bottling (mg/dm³)

38

Total SO₂ (mg/dm³)

108

Volumic Mass (g/cm³)

0.99

Production

60 000 Bottles

Allergens

Sulfites and Egg albumin

Food Suggestions

White meats, pasta and vegetarian dishes.

Bottle

Box

31 16 × 6 7400 cardboard

Palette

120 80 × 4 Rows 100 Boxes

2018 was a relatively cool year up until August, with the coolest July recorded in the 21st century. The vines seemed to be developing relatively late, with a delay of about 3 weeks compared to 2017. The first days of August brought a sudden spike in temperatures: the 4th of August was the hottest year to date this century. As a result, the berries ripened slowly during the month of September. The water stress caused the vines to produce musts with low alcohols and good phenolic ripeness, as well as good complexity and minerality.

After arriving at the Quinta de Nápoles, the grapes were carefully destemmed and fermented in stainless steel tanks under controlled temperatures for approximately one week. A portion of the wine was matured in French oak barriques whereas the rest of the wine remained in stainless steel for about 6 months.

The wine has a beautiful, intense ruby colour.

The nose reflects the 2018 vintage – a cool year with moderate ripeness. The aromatic profile of the wine is elegant, boasting mineral notes in perfect harmony with balsamic, floral and fresh red fruit aromas.

The palate is light and elegant, with smooth but persistent tannins and a pleasant acidity which makes the wine easy to drink and enjoy.

Producer

Niepoort (Vinhos) S.A

Region

Douro

Soil Type

Schist

Average Vine Age

10-40 years

Grape Varieties

Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Amarela

Vines per HA

4000

Pruning Method

Guyot and Royat

Alt. from Sea Level

100-150

Harvest Period

September

Harvest Method

Hand picked

Malolactic

In barriques and stainless steel tanks

Fermentation

In stainless steel tanks

Bottled

September 2019

Ageing

6 months In barriques and stainless steel tanks

Dry Extract (g/dm³)

30.7

Residual Sugar (g/dm³)

0.6

Alcohol (%)

13.3

pH

3.66

Total Acidity (g/dm³)

5.4

Volatile Acidity (g/dm³)

0.5

Free SO₂ at Bottling (mg/dm³)

27

Total SO₂ (mg/dm³)

70

Volumic Mass (g/cm³)

0.99

Production

60000 bottles

Allergens

Sulfite and egg albumin

Food Suggestions

White meats, pasta and vegetarian dishes.

Suitable for Vegans

no

Bottle

Box

31 16 23 × 6 7400 cardboard

Palette

120 80 × 4 Rows 100 Boxes