Niepoort - Coche

This is the first edition of a wine which tries to go further ahead on the expression of the vineyard, of the place and the region where it came from. For several years we pursue the idea of making a white wine with malolactic fermentation, where we could extend the ageing period, both in barrel and stainless steel. But Douro is a hot region, even in the higher altitude vineyards and therefore in the majority of the years there was not enough acidity to do it.

The mica schist soil contributes to the minerality and freshness of this wine, the longer ageing gives it stability and the time spent in stainless steell, before bottling, integrates all the elements and makes the wine more compact and alive.

Vinification

2010 was uncommonly wet during Winter and early Spring, with heavy rains during these months. As a consequence the yields were high and we had to deal with a strong disease pressure on the vineyard. The maturation period was very hot and dry, but fortunately, light rain in the first days of September helped, especially on the older and high altitude vineyards, contributing to a balanced maturation process.

After being sorted, the grapes were pressed during the night without maceration and decanted during 24 hours at low temperature. The wine fermented and aged in French oak barrels in the presence of fine lees for 12 months, where the malolactic fermentation occurred. After that period the wine aged for 5 months in a stainless steel vat before bottling.

Tasting Notes

Great wine with an enormous character, Coche shows intense citric and mineral aromas with floral notes and great complexity. On the palate is elegant, with several layers to discover, rich and with a firm acidity. Shows stone fruit flavors, mineral notes and great intensity. Very persistent with a great length.

Technical Information

Producer: Niepoort (Vinhos) S.A.
Region: Douro
Wine Color: White
Soil Type: Mica Schist
Vineyards: Several vineyards
Average Vine Age: Over 80 years
Grape Varieties: Rabigato, Códega do Larinho, Arinto and others
Vines per HA: 6500
Pruning Method: Guyot
Altitude (m): 600-750
Harvest Period: September
Harvest Method: Hand picked
Malolactic: Barrel
Fermentation: French oak barrels
Bottled: February 2012
Ageing: 12 month in French oak barrels (228 L) and 5 month in stainless steel vats
Dry Extract (g/dm³): 17.5
Alcohol (%): 13.51
pH: 3.31
Total Acidity (g/dm³): 5.08
Volatile Acidity (g/dm³): 0.96
Free SO₂ at Bottling (mg/dm³): 33
Production: 1.900 bottles
Food Suggestions: Oven backed fish, dishes with white meat. Vegetarian suggestions: pasta or noodle dishes with cheese.
Last Updated: 2023-03-20

After the release of Coche 2010, in January 2012, the challenge was to create a white wine along the same lines, but from a completely different year. 2011 was characterised by low yields and a higher maturation of the grapes, than the previous year. Thus, in a hot year, in a hot region, the major concern was balancing the acidity and great volume in order to obtain a fresh and "light" wine with a great ageing potential.

Vinification

Flowering was very early in 2011 and the entire cycle was anticipated, with the harvest starting earlier than ever before. However, the maturation of the vines planted at higher altitudes was slower and when the harvest ended all wines had a good amount of malic acid.

The traditional vines, aged over 80 years, are mostly planted in schist soil. About 30% are planted in granite soils and in years such as 2011 these vines convey enormous freshness to the wines.

Alcoholic fermentation occurred in French oak barrels of 228 litres. The wine aged 12 months in the same barrels without bâtonnage, where malolactic fermentation occurred, and then five months in stainless steel vats before bottling in February 2013.

Tasting Notes

Coche 2011, like the 2010, is also a great wine with a great character and intense mineral hints. Coche displays citrus and mineral aromas, with a variety of floral hints and great complexity. On the palate is elegant, with several layers to discover, with very firm acidity and concentration. It features hints of stone fruits and minerals, and it has great persistence and length in the finish.

Technical Information

Producer: Niepoort (Vinhos) S.A.
Region: Douro
Wine Color: White
Soil Type: Mica Schist
Vineyards: Several vineyards
Average Vine Age: Over 80 years
Grape Varieties: Rabigato, Códega do Larinho, Arinto and others
Vines per HA: 6500
Pruning Method: Guyot
Altitude (m): 600-750
Harvest Period: September
Harvest Method: Hand picked
Malolactic: Barrel
Fermentation: French oak barrels
Bottled: February 2013
Ageing: 12 month in French oak barrels (228 L) and 5 month in stainless steel vats
Dry Extract (g/dm³): 18
Residual Sugar (g/dm³): 2.2
Alcohol (%): 13
pH: 3.32
Total Acidity (g/dm³): 4.7
Volatile Acidity (g/dm³): 0.5
Free SO₂ at Bottling (mg/dm³): 23
Total SO₂ (mg/dm³): 114
Volumic Mass (g/cm³): 1
Production: 2.100 bottles
Food Suggestions: Oven backed fish, dishes with white meat. Vegetarian suggestions: pasta or noodle dishes with cheese.
Last Updated: 2023-03-20

In its third edition and after a very generous year like 2011, the challenge was to create a white with a unique personality following the previous editions. Old vines and high altitude are the key factors for Coche success. The search for vineyards with high acidity, in a hot region, is the major concern to balance its acidity and great volume in order to obtain a fresh and fine wine with a great ageing potential.

Vinification

2012 was marked by the lack of rain in the Douro region. As a result, the growing cycle began, on average, 15 days later than in previous years. On the other hand, winter 2012 also recorded very low temperatures, which resulted in good and well balanced growth of the vegetation. The maturation period was not as hot as usual, creating a good balance in the total acidity of the grape musts.

Coche has its origin in vineyards with more than 70 years old, located in the right bank of Douro river at 600m high. After selection in the vine and winery the grapes were softly pressed and decanted for a 24 hour period. The alcoholic fermentation occured in French oak used barrels (228l). Coche aged for 12 months in the same barrels, without bâttonage or racking, where the malolactic fermentation took place.

Tasting Notes

Coche shows a very intense and deep mineral character. The perfectly integrated wood ensures great complexity, with a slightly salty profile and sílex notes. Elegant in the mouth, has several layers to discover, with concentration and a very firm acidity. Shows dried fruits notes, stone fruits hints and a very fine, delicate and persistent finish. To be appreciated in a Burgundy glass.

Technical Information

Producer: Niepoort (Vinhos) S.A.
Region: Douro
Wine Color: White
Soil Type: Mica Schist
Vineyards: Several vineyards
Average Vine Age: Over 80 years
Grape Varieties: Rabigato, Códega do Larinho, Arinto and others
Vines per HA: 6500
Pruning Method: Guyot
Altitude (m): 600-750
Harvest Period: September
Harvest Method: Hand picked
Malolactic: Barrel
Fermentation: French oak barrels
Bottled: February 2013
Ageing: 12 month in French oak barrels (228l) and 5 month in stainless steel vat
Alcohol (%): 13.5
Production: 3.500 bottles
Food Suggestions: Oven backed fish, dishes with white meat. Vegetarian suggestions: pasta or noodle dishes with cheese.
Last Updated: 2023-03-20

Clearly assumed as our most luxurious and exclusive white, Coche is a wine that tries to go further ahead on the expression of the vineyard, of the place, and the region where it comes from.

Old vines and high altitude are the key factors for Coche success. Thus, in a hot region, the major concern was to balance its acidity and great volume in order to obtain a fresh and “light” wine with a great ageing potential.

The mica schist soil contributes to the minerality and freshness of this wine, the longer ageing gives it stability and the time spent in stainless steell, before bottling, integrates all the elements and makes the wine more compact and alive.

Vinification

The 2013 harvest began on 19 August, earlier than usual, in order to maintain the high levels of acidity and avoid high degrees of alcohol. It was a more productive year, around 25% better than 2012. The decision to start harvesting earlier turned out to be the right one, since the main vineyards had already been harvested before it started raining heavily on the 27th September.

Coche has its origin in vineyards with more than 70 years old, located in the right bank of Douro river at 600m high. After selection in the vine, the grapes were transported in a refrigerated lorry in 25kg boxes. A second sorting took place at the winery’s entrance. During the night, the grapes were softly pressed and decanted for a 24 hour period. The alcoholic fermentation occured in French oak 228L barrels (mainly used). During its ageing in barrels (a small part in new barrels) for 12 months, Coche made the malolactic fermentation, without bâttonage or racking.

Tasting Notes

Coche shows a very intense and deep mineral side. Aroma of great complexity, luxurious and very elegant in the toasty notes. It has a citrus profile with beautiful floral notes. On the palate, with firm acidity and fresh, is very elegant in fresh fruit notes and has a slightly salty profile. Great volume, with a good concentration, where the barrel is in full harmony with the wine, with dried fruit memories. Very delicate, fine and persistent finish. A very serious white, to be enjoyed in Burgundy type of glass.

Technical Information

Producer: Niepoort (Vinhos) S.A.
Region: Douro
Wine Color: White
Soil Type: Mica Schist
Vineyards: Several vineyards
Average Vine Age: Over 80 years
Grape Varieties: Rabigato, Códega do Larinho, Arinto and others
Vines per HA: 6500
Pruning Method: Guyot
Altitude (m): 600-750
Harvest Period: September
Harvest Method: Hand picked
Malolactic: Barrel
Fermentation: French oak barrels
Bottled: December 2014
Ageing: 14 months in French oak 228L barrels, part of it new.
Dry Extract (g/dm³): 17.2
Residual Sugar (g/dm³): 0.6
Alcohol (%): 12.5
pH: 3.38
Total Acidity (g/dm³): 4.5
Volatile Acidity (g/dm³): 0.5
Free SO₂ at Bottling (mg/dm³): 31
Total SO₂ (mg/dm³): 94
Volumic Mass (g/cm³): 0.9884
Production: 2.913 bottles
Food Suggestions: Baked fish, white meat. Cream based dishes. Gratins. Risotto. Vegetarian suggestions: vegetable Lasagna, Portobello mushrooms.
Last Updated: 2023-03-20

Clearly assumed as our most exclusive white, Coche is a wine that tries to go further ahead on the expression of the vineyard, of the place, and the region where it comes from. Old vines and high altitude are the key factors for this wine’s success, but the major challenge every year is to balance the acidity and the volume in order to obtain a fresh wine with a great ageing potential. Coche 2014 has its origin in vineyards located at 600m high, in mica schist soil, with more than 80 years old and mostly located in the right bank of Douro river.

Vinification

The viticultural year 2014 was characterised as a year of lower quantity but higher quality. Due to the large amount of water in the soil, accumulated during winter and spring, everything indicated an early year. Indeed, the maturation phase occurred early, allowing us to start the harvest in August. At Quinta de Nápoles, most of the parcels were harvested within a fine weather period between 23 August and 21 September.

After selection in the vine, the grapes were transported in a refrigerated lorry in 25kg boxes. A second sorting took place at the winery’s entrance. During the night, the grapes were softly pressed and decanted for a 24 hour period. The alcoholic fermentation occured in French oak 228L barrels (mainly used).

During the 12 months of ageing in barrels, Coche made the malolactic fermentation, without any bâttonage or racking.

Tasting Notes

Coche shows a very intense and deep mineral side. Very complex aroma, with excellent notes of toast, perfectly integrated in the citrus and slightly floral profile. On the palate is elegant, with good acidity, and the highlight of white and citrus fruit notes. Great volume, but without being fat, with a good concentration and the barrel in complete harmony with the wine. Very delicate, fine, and slightly salty finish. A serious white to be enjoyed in Burgundy type of glass.

Technical Information

Producer: Niepoort (Vinhos) S.A.
Region: Douro
Wine Color: White
Soil Type: Mica Schist
Vineyards: Several vineyards
Average Vine Age: Over 80 years
Grape Varieties: Rabigato, Códega do Larinho, Arinto and others
Vines per HA: 6500
Pruning Method: Guyot
Altitude (m): 600-750
Harvest Period: September
Harvest Method: Hand picked
Malolactic: Barrel
Fermentation: French oak barrels
Bottled: December 2015
Ageing: 12 months in 228 L French oak barrels (some of them new)
Dry Extract (g/dm³): 16.7
Residual Sugar (g/dm³): 1.3
Alcohol (%): 12.5
pH: 3.2
Total Acidity (g/dm³): 5.1
Volatile Acidity (g/dm³): 0.4
Free SO₂ at Bottling (mg/dm³): 33
Total SO₂ (mg/dm³): 104
Volumic Mass (g/cm³): 0.9887
Food Suggestions: Baked fish, white meat. Cream based dishes. Gratins. Risotto. Vegetarian suggestions: vegetable Lasagna, Portobello mushrooms.
Last Updated: 2023-03-20

Coche is without question our most exclusive white wine, but it is also a wine which aims to reach beyond the expression of its vineyards, region and provenance. The old vines and high altitude are the fundamental factors responsible for the success of this wine. Year after year the great challenge lies in achieving a balance between its body and acidity in order to create a fresh wine with a tremendous ageing potential. The 2015 Coche stems from vineyards with over 80-year-old vines growing in mica schist soils at an altitude of around 600m above sea level, primarily situated on the right side of the Douro River.

Vinification

The 2015 vintage presented us with very favourable weather conditions: plenty of sunshine and warmth but without too much moisture, ideal for even growth. One of this year’s peculiarities was the vines’ ability to remain hydrated during the ripening stage. At the end of August and beginning September the basal leaves were still moist and green, the berries well-hydrated and the grape skins thick and firm.

After a first selection process in the vineyards, the grapes were placed into 25 kg crates, loaded onto a refrigerated truck and transported to the cellar where they were sorted again. The grapes were then gently pressed during the night, and the juice was left to settle for about 24 hours. Alcoholic fermentation took place mostly in used 228l French oak barrels.

During the course of its 12-month ageing period in barrels, the wine underwent malolactic fermentation without any bâtonnage or racking.

Tasting Notes

Coche shows an intense and profound minerality. Its aromatic profile is deeply complex, with beautiful toasty notes from the barrels as well as subtle hints of herbs which complement the soft floral and citrusy aromas of the wine perfectly. 2015 is a vintage with more structure and acidity than 2014. Along with its fine and delicate character, the palate has a lot of presence, offering flavours of white fruit and spices. It offers plenty of body without seeming heavy, and shows superb concentration, with judicious use of oak. The finish is wonderfully complex, elegant and slightly salty. A wine that will be best enjoyed out of a Burgundy glass.

Technical Information

Producer: Niepoort (Vinhos) S.A.
Region: Douro
Wine Color: White
Soil Type: Mica Schist
Vineyards: Several vineyards
Average Vine Age: Over 80 years
Grape Varieties: Rabigato, Códega do Larinho, Arinto and others
Vines per HA: 6500
Pruning Method: Guyot
Altitude (m): 600-750
Harvest Period: September
Harvest Method: Hand picked
Malolactic: Barrel
Fermentation: French oak barrels
Bottled: January 2017
Ageing: 12 month in French oak barrels (228 L) and 5 month in stainless steel vats
Alcohol (%): 12.5
Food Suggestions: Oven backed fish, dishes with white meat. Vegetarian suggestions: pasta or noodle dishes with cheese.
Last Updated: 2023-03-20

The Coche is without question our most exclusive white wine, but it is also a wine which aims to reach beyond the expression of its vineyards, region and provenance. The old vines and high altitude are the fundamental factors responsible for the success of this wine. Year after year the greatest challenge lies in achieving a balance between its body and acidity in order to create a fresh wine with tremendous ageing potential. The 2016 Coche stems from vineyards with over 80-year-old vines growing in mica-schist soils at an altitude of around 600m above sea level, primarily situated on the right side of the Douro River.

Vinification

The 2016 vintage proved to be very atypical, with a warm and rainy winter, a cool and very wet spring and an extremely hot and dry summer. The weather conditions led to very early budburst (around 2 weeks early), followed nevertheless by a delay in the vegetative cycle during spring, especially with regard to véraison, which occurred approximately 2 weeks later than usual.

After a first selection process in the vineyards, the grapes were placed into 25 kg crates, loaded onto a refrigerated truck and transported to the cellar where they were sorted again. The grapes were then gently pressed during the night, and the juice was left to settle for about 24 hours. Alcoholic fermentation took place in mostly used 228L French oak barrels.

During the course of its 12-month ageing period in the barrels, the wine underwent malolactic fermentation without any bâtonnage or racking.

Tasting Notes

The Coche shows an intense and profound minerality. Its aromatic profile is deeply complex, with beautiful toasty notes from the oak barrels as well as subtle hints of herbs which complement the soft floral and citrusy aromas of the wine perfectly. Along with its fine and delicate character, the palate has a lot of presence, offering flavours of white fruit and spices. It offers plenty of body without seeming heavy, and shows superb concentration, with judicious use of oak. The finish is wonderfully complex, elegant and slightly salty. A wine that will be best enjoyed out of a Burgundy-style wineglass.

Technical Information

Producer: Niepoort (Vinhos) S.A
Region: Douro
Wine Color: White
Soil Type: Mica-schist
Vineyards: Various sites
Average Vine Age: More than 80 years
Grape Varieties: Rabigato, Códega do Larinho, Arinto and others
Vines per HA: 6500
Pruning Method: Guyot
Altitude (m): 600-750
Harvest Period: September
Harvest Method: Hand picked
Malolactic: In French oak barriques
Fermentation: In French oak barriques
Bottled: January 2018
Ageing: 12 months in French oak barriques (228L), some new oak
Dry Extract (g/dm³): 18.5
Residual Sugar (g/dm³): 1.2
Alcohol (%): 12.5
pH: 3.24
Total Acidity (g/dm³): 5.3
Volatile Acidity (g/dm³): 0.5
Free SO₂ at Bottling (mg/dm³): 17
Total SO₂ (mg/dm³): 84
Volumic Mass (g/cm³): 0.99
Production: 4750 Bottles
Allergens: Sulfite
Food Suggestions: Grilled fish or white meats, cream-based dishes, cheese-topped bakes, risotto. Vegetarian dishes: vegetable lasagne, stuffed Portobello mushrooms.
Last Updated: 2023-03-20
Bottle
Box: 29 10.3 × 3 5985 wood
Pallet: 120 80 × 13 Rows 146 Boxes

O Coche é o nosso vinho branco mais exclusivo, que potencia toda expressão da vinha e da região. Provem de vinhas velhas, plantadas em solos de micaxisto a mais de 600 metros, onde predominam as variedades Rabigato, Viosinho e Códega do Larinho. A chave do sucesso deste vinho é a sua origem: a vinha. Aqui, o equilíbrio entre a acidez e o volume resulta num vinho fresco e com um enorme potencial de envelhecimento.

Vinification

O ano de 2017 foi quente e seco, impondo uma vindima precoce de forma a manter a frescura característica do Coche. A vindima iniciou-se no final de Agosto e prolongou-se até inicio de Setembro. A vindima iniciou-se no final de Agosto, prolongando-se até inicio de Setembro. Para preservar a frescura das vinhas de altitude, as uvas foram transportadas com refrigeração até à Quinta de Nápoles. Aí foram prensadas delicadamente para uma cuba de inox onde o mosto decantou a frio.

Após a decantação, o mosto segue diretamente para barricas de 228 e 500 litros, onde fermenta espontaneamente. O estágio de 1 ano em barrica com as borras de fermentação permite que o Coche complete a fermentação maloláctica sem qualquer batonnage.

Technical Information

Producer: Niepoort(Vinhos) S.A
Region: Douro
Wine Color: White
Soil Type: Micaxisto
Vineyards: Várias Vinhas
Average Vine Age: Mais de 80 anos
Grape Varieties: Rabigato, Viosinho e Códega do Larinho.
Vines per HA: 6500
Pruning Method: Guyot
Altitude (m): 600-750
Harvest Period: Agosto e Setembro
Harvest Method: Manual
Malolactic: Sim
Fermentation: Em barrica
Bottled: Janeiro 2019
Ageing: 12 meses em barrica
Dry Extract (g/dm³): 20.1
Residual Sugar (g/dm³): 0.8
Alcohol (%): 13.3
pH: 3.16
Total Acidity (g/dm³): 6
Volatile Acidity (g/dm³): 0.4
Free SO₂ at Bottling (mg/dm³): 21
Total SO₂ (mg/dm³): 90
Volumic Mass (g/cm³): 0.98
Production: 4722 garrafas
Allergens: Sulfite
Food Suggestions: Peixe assado, carnes brancas. Pratos à base de natas. Gratinados. Risotto. Sugestões vegetarianas: Lasanha de vegetais, cogumelos Portobello.
Last Updated: 2023-03-20
Bottle
Box: 33 10.5 29.2 × 3 5985 wood
Pallet: 120 80 × 13 Rows 146 Boxes

The Coche is without question our most exclusive white wine, but it is also a wine which aims to reach beyond the expression of its vineyards, region and provenance. The old vines and high altitude are the fundamental factors responsible for the success of this wine. Year after year the greatest challenge lies in achieving a balance between its body and acidity in order to create a fresh wine with tremendous ageing potential. The 2016 Coche stems from vineyards with over 80-year-old vines growing in mica-schist soils at an altitude of around 600m above sea level, primarily situated on the right side of the Douro River.

Vinification

The 2018 vintage was a cool year up until August, with the coolest July recorded in the 21st century. Compared to 2017, the maturation process showed a delay of 3 weeks. The first days of August brought a sudden increase in temperatures: 4 August was the hottest day of the 21st century to date, causing the ripening process to progress slowly during the month of September. Due to water stress, the vines gave us musts with low alcohols and good phenolic ripeness as well as sufficient complexity and minerality. The white varieties were picked between 5 September and 2 October. After careful sorting in the vineyards, the grapes were transported to the cellar in 25kg boxes in a temperature-controlled truck. During the night, the grapes were pressed gently and the must was left to settle for approximately 48 hours. Alcoholic fermentation took place in French oak barrels of 228L and 550L, of which 50% were new oak.

Over the 12 months that the wine spent maturing in barrels, the Coche also went through partial malolactic fermentation.

Tasting Notes

The 2018 Coche reflects the 2018 viticultural year very well: freshness, lightness, elegance and length. It offers a well-balanced aromatic profile, with perfectly integrated oaky notes and a granitic minerality mingling with citrusy and herbaceous notes. The palate offers depth, freshness and a robust structure which never tips over into heaviness. A beautifully linear wine with a complex and slightly saline finish. Decanting recommended.

Technical Information

Producer: Niepoort (Vinhos) S.A
Region: Douro
Wine Color: White
Soil Type: Mica-Schist
Vineyards: Various sites
Average Vine Age: More than 80 years
Grape Varieties: Rabigato, Códega do Larinho, Arinto and others
Vines per HA: 6500
Pruning Method: Guyot
Altitude (m): 600-750
Harvest Period: September
Harvest Method: Hand picked
Malolactic: In French oak barriques
Fermentation: In French oak barriques
Bottled: February 2020
Ageing: 12 months in French oak barriques (228L)
Dry Extract (g/dm³): 17.2
Residual Sugar (g/dm³): 0.8
Alcohol (%): 11.4
pH: 3.24
Total Acidity (g/dm³): 5.2
Volatile Acidity (g/dm³): 0.4
Free SO₂ at Bottling (mg/dm³): 30
Total SO₂ (mg/dm³): 123
Volumic Mass (g/cm³): 0.989
Production: 3400 Bottles
Allergens: Sulfite
Food Suggestions: Grilled fish or white meats, cream-based dishes, cheese-topped bakes, risotto. Vegetarian dishes: vegetable lasagne, stuffed Portobello mushrooms.
Suitable for Vegans & Vegetarians: yes
Last Updated: 2023-03-20
Bottle
Box: 33 10.5 29.2 × 3 5985 wood
Pallet: 120 80 × 13 Rows 120 Boxes

The Coche is without question our most exclusive white wine, but it is also a wine which aims to reach beyond the expression of its vineyards, region and provenance. The old vines and high altitude are the fundamental factors responsible for the success of this wine. Year after year the greatest challenge lies in achieving a balance between its body and acidity in order to create a fresh wine with tremendous ageing potential. The 2016 Coche stems from vineyards with over 80-year-old vines growing in mica-schist soils at an altitude of around 600m above sea level, primarily situated on the right side of the Douro River.

Vinification

The 2019 growing year was relatively dry. Spring started off with high temperatures which then dropped, remaining low during the whole summer. Some rainfall occurred at the exact time of budbreak, and flowering took place under excellent weather conditions, leading to medium to high yields and healthy berries. The mild days and cool nights of the month of August allowed for slow and balanced ripening.

Harvesting began on 8 August and concluded on 1 October.

We consider the 2019 vintage to be an exceptional one, with perfect balance between the natural acidity and sugar content of the musts, creating white wines of great purity.

After careful sorting in the vineyards, the grapes were transported to the cellar in 25kg boxes in a temperature-controlled truck. During the night, the grapes were pressed gently and the must was left to settle for approximately 48 hours. Alcoholic fermentation took place in French oak barrels of 228L and 550L, of which 50% were new oak.

Over the 12 months that the wine spent maturing in barrels, the Coche also went through partial malolactic fermentation.

Tasting Notes

With a character reminiscent of great Burgundies and a production of a mere 4 700 bottles, the Coche is Niepoort’s most sought-after white wine. When it comes to its aromatic profile, our aim is to complement the fruitiness with the complexity provided by an ageing period in wood (in lightly toasted, first-fill French barrels from the François Frères cooperage).

On the nose, this barrel maturation makes itself felt through notes of hazelnuts and brioche which also mingle beautifully with the wine’s primary fruity aromas of yellow plums, peaches, citrus fruit and some vegetal hints.

The palate boasts a structure not unlike that of a great Burgundy, with an elegance, moderate alcohol and deep aromatic complexity.

A long and lingering finish is supported by a beautiful acidity which promises great cellaring potential.

Technical Information

Producer: Niepoort (Vinhos) S.A
Region: Douro
Wine Color: White
Soil Type: Mica-Schist
Vineyards: Various sites
Average Vine Age: More than 80 years
Grape Varieties: Rabigato, Códega do Larinho, Arinto and others
Vines per HA: 6500
Pruning Method: Guyot
Altitude (m): 600-750
Harvest Period: August and september
Harvest Method: Hand picked
Malolactic: In French oak barriques
Fermentation: In French oak barriques
Bottled: January 2021
Ageing: 12 months in French oak barriques
Dry Extract (g/dm³): 20.1
Residual Sugar (g/dm³): 1
Alcohol (%): 12.4
pH: 3.05
Total Acidity (g/dm³): 6.5
Volatile Acidity (g/dm³): 0.4
Free SO₂ at Bottling (mg/dm³): 20
Total SO₂ (mg/dm³): 115
Volumic Mass (g/cm³): 0.989
Production: 4700 Bottles
Allergens: Sulfite
Food Suggestions: Grilled fish or white meats, cream-based dishes, cheese-topped bakes, risotto. Vegetarian dishes: vegetable lasagne, stuffed Portobello mushrooms.
Suitable for Vegans & Vegetarians: yes
Last Updated: 2023-03-20
Bottle
Box: 33 10.5 29.2 × 3 5985 wood
Pallet: 120 80 × 13 Rows 120 Boxes

The Coche is without question our most exclusive white wine, but it is also a wine which aims to reach beyond the expression of its vineyards, region and provenance. The old vines and high altitude are the fundamental factors responsible for the success of this wine. Year after year the greatest challenge lies in achieving a balance between its body and acidity in order to create a fresh wine with tremendous ageing potential.

Vinification

The 2020 growing year was very heterogeneous. A rainy winter was followed by a quite moderate spring, providing favourable conditions for the vines’ growth. On the other hand, the month of June was relatively cool and slowed down the growth cycle. July brought very high temperatures (the hottest since 1931), with three heat waves which reduced the yields somewhat.

Harvesting began in the first weeks of August in the hottest areas and concluded in the higher-lying slopes at the end of September.

After careful sorting in the vineyards, the grapes were transported to the cellar in 25kg boxes in a temperature-controlled truck. During the night, the grapes were pressed gently and the must was left to settle for approximately 48 hours. Alcoholic fermentation took place in French oak barrels of 228L and 550L, of which 50% were new oak.

Over the 12 months that the wine spent maturing in barrels, the Coche also went through partial malolactic fermentation.

Tasting Notes

The Coche is Niepoort’s most coveted wine – the one whose profile most resembles that of a great Burgundy. With this wine, we aim to strike a balance between fruitiness and a complexity stemming from an ageing period in first-fill, lightly toasted French oak barrels from the François Frères cooperage. On the nose, this barrel-ageing period comes through as toasted notes of hazelnuts and brioche which blend in beautifully with the fruity orchard aromas of yellow plums, peaches, apricots, citrus as well as aromatic herbs. The palate presents a similar structure as a great Burgundy, offering elegance, moderate alcohol and impressive aromatic complexity. The finish is expressive and long, supported by a sublime acidity promising a long cellaring potential.

Technical Information

Producer: Niepoort(Vinhos) S.A
Region: Douro
Wine Color: White
Soil Type: Mica-Schist
Vineyards: Various vines
Average Vine Age: More than 80 years
Grape Varieties: Rabigato, Códega do Larinho, Arinto and others
Vines per HA: 6500
Pruning Method: Guyot
Altitude (m): 600-750
Harvest Period: August
Harvest Method: Hand picked
Malolactic: In French oak barrels
Fermentation: In French oak barrels
Bottled: January 2022
Ageing: 12 months in french oak barrels
Dry Extract (g/dm³): 20.3
Residual Sugar (g/dm³): 0.8
Alcohol (%): 12.6
pH: 3.12
Total Acidity (g/dm³): 6.2
Volatile Acidity (g/dm³): 0.5
Free SO₂ at Bottling (mg/dm³): 35
Total SO₂ (mg/dm³): 150
Volumic Mass (g/cm³): 0.989
Production: 3600 Bottles
Allergens: Sulfite
Food Suggestions: Grilled fish or white meats, cream-based dishes, cheese-topped bakes, risotto. Vegetarian dishes: vegetable lasagne, stuffed Portobello mushrooms.
Suitable for Vegans & Vegetarians: yes
Last Updated: 2023-03-20
Bottle
Box: 33 10.5 29.2 × 3 5985 wood
Pallet: 120 80 × 13 Rows 120 Boxes

The Coche is without question our most exclusive white wine, but it is also a wine which aims to reach beyond the expression of its vineyards, region and provenance. The old vines and high altitude are the fundamental factors responsible for the success of this wine. Year after year the greatest challenge lies in achieving a balance between its body and acidity in order to create a fresh wine with tremendous ageing potential.

Vinification

The 2021 harvest began on 11 August, with ideal indicators: musts with high acidity levels, low alcohol as well as beautifully firm skin on the berries made for well-balanced red and white wines.

Some instability in the weather during the month of September led to our cellars receiving an exceptionally large number of bunches, with various levels of ripeness according to their geographical origins.

After careful sorting in the vineyards, the grapes were transported to the cellar in 25kg boxes in a temperature-controlled truck. During the night, the grapes were pressed gently and the must was left to settle for approximately 48 hours. Alcoholic fermentation took place in French oak barrels of 228L and 550L, of which 50% were new oak.

Over the 12 months that the wine spent maturing in barrels, the Coche also went through partial malolactic fermentation.

Tasting Notes

With a character reminiscent of great Burgundies, the Coche is Niepoort’s most sought-after white wine. When it comes to its aromatic profile, our aim is to complement the fruitiness with the complexity provided by an ageing period in wood (in lightly toasted, first-fill French barrels from the François Frères cooperage). On the nose, this barrel maturation makes itself felt through notes of honey, dried fruit, and brioche which mingle beautifully with the wine’s primary fruity aromas of apricot, citrus fruit, and hints of aromatic herbs. The palate boasts a structure not unlike that of a great Burgundy, with an elegance, moderate alcohol, and deep aromatic complexity. A long and lingering finish is supported by a beautiful acidity which promises great cellaring potential.

Technical Information

Producer: Niepoort
Region: Douro
Wine Color: White
Soil Type: Mica-Schist
Vineyards: Various vines
Average Vine Age: More than 80 years
Grape Varieties: Rabigato, Códega do Larinho, Arinto and others
Vines per HA: 6500
Pruning Method: Guyot
Altitude (m): 600-750
Harvest Period: August
Harvest Method: Hand picked
Malolactic: In French oak barrels
Fermentation: In French oak barrels
Bottled: January 2023
Ageing: 12 months in french oak barrels
Dry Extract (g/dm³): 19
Residual Sugar (g/dm³): 0.6
Alcohol (%): 11.8
pH: 3.26
Total Acidity (g/dm³): 5.8
Volatile Acidity (g/dm³): 0.4
Free SO₂ at Bottling (mg/dm³): 28
Total SO₂ (mg/dm³): 120
Volumic Mass (g/cm³): 0.99
Production: 9500 Bottles
Allergens: Sulfite
Food Suggestions: Grilled fish or white meats, cream-based dishes, cheese-topped bakes, risotto. Vegetarian dishes: vegetable lasagne, stuffed Portobello mushrooms.
Suitable for Vegans & Vegetarians: yes
Last Updated: 2023-03-20
Bottle
Box: 33 10.5 29.2 × 3 5985 wood
Pallet: 120 80 × 13 Rows 120 Boxes