Log in for prices and ordering
In 2019 Quinta do Noval acquired a second estate in Portugal’s Douro Valley: Quinta do Passadouro. Quinta do Passadouro dates back to the 18th century and has long been highly regarded for both its Ports and table wines. The property is in the Cima Corgo sub-region, close to the village of Vale de Mendiz in the heart of the demarcated Douro region. Since 1991, the estate has been well-run by the Bohrmann family (who also own a domaine in Meursault), and for a while, Dirk Niepoort was in charge of the winemaking.
Quinta do Noval’s Managing Director, Christian Seely, has this to say of the purchase: “The vineyard of Passadouro consists of two principal parcels. One parcel is in the Pinhão Valley (on schist), where most of Noval’s vineyard is situated, and ranks among the greatest vineyard terroir of the Douro Valley. The other parcel is in the Roncão Valley.” Seely adds that the Quinta do Passadouro brand and its staff will be maintained so that the longstanding reputation of the estate will continue under the new ownership.
Passadouro is a blend of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa, Tinto Cão, Sousão and Tinta Roriz, cropped from vines ranging in altitude from 100 to 300 metres above sea level. Made in roughly the same traditional fashion as Noval’s own Vintage Port, the style here—while also one of class and sophistication—is more medium-bodied, youthfully buoyant and immedicably approachable than the Noval. This is a charming and relatively open-knit 2017. It’s ripe and fleshy in style with a velvety cherry fruit profile, fused with notes of cola and cacao nibs. The palate is seductive and classy with a well-defined, elegant structure and refreshing, polished acidity. It closes with a wave of cherry richness resurfacing on the finish. It’s not hard to see why Noval is delighted with their new acquisition.