The Vargellas Vinha Velha Vintage Port 2017 comes from a special part of Quinta de Vargellas. Here stand old vines that preserve a piece of the Douro\u2019s history. Taylor Fladgate bottles this selection separately, allowing the character of the old plots to stand on its own alongside the house\u2019s classic Vintage Ports.<\/p>\n
2017 is one of the widely declared Vintage Port vintages. In this vintage year, numerous port houses chose to release their best wines as Vintage Port. This widespread declaration underscores the exceptional reputation of the harvest in the Douro, while each producer maintains its own style and selection.<\/p>\n
Quinta de Vargellas is located in the upper reaches of the Douro River and is closely associated with Taylor Fladgate, a port house founded in 1692. In the old Vinha Velha plots, various traditional grape varieties grow intermixed, as has long been customary in the region. This mixed planting and the limited yields give the selection a distinctive character.<\/p>\n
2017 was exceptionally warm and dry in the Douro. The harvest began early, and yields were limited in many places. The old vines at Quinta de Vargellas produced a concentrated selection, with dark fruit and a firm structure. It is a vintage in which the conditions of the growing season are clearly reflected.<\/p>\n
Blackcurrant, blackberries, black plums, violets, and spices can define the bouquet. During further bottle aging, dried fruit, cocoa, and more complex spice notes may emerge. The exact development depends on the storage conditions and the condition of each bottle.<\/p>\n
This case contains three bottles from the same vintage, allowing you to open the port at different times. Store the bottles in a cool, dark place. Stand one bottle upright beforehand and decant it carefully to separate any sediment. Serve slightly chilled\u2014perhaps with blue cheese\u2014or enjoy the wine on its own.<\/p>\n