Quinta do Noval is a renowned and family-owned wine estate in the Douro Valley of Portugal. Established in 1931, it has since become one of the most celebrated Portuguese wine estates and is known for producing some of the finest Port wines. The estate's flagship product is its Quinta do Noval Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) Port.
LBV Port is a type of fortified wine made from the indigenous Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional and Tinta Barroca grape varieties from the Douro region. LBV Ports are aged four to six years befre bottling and ready for drinking upon release. It's slightly sweeter than traditional vintage port and offers a rich, intense flavor profile without any further bottle aging needed.
Quinta do Noval's LBV Port is made from grapes sourced exclusively from their own vineyards in the Cima Corgo subregion of Douro Valley. The estate follows traditional winemaking practices with maceration on skins taking place in lagares (granite treading tanks) over several days followed by fermentation in stainless steel vats at controlled temperatures to preserve all the wine's aromas and flavors. The resulting LBV Port has an intense dark ruby color with robust tannins and complex flavors of dark fruits such as blackberry, cherry, blueberry, figs and plums along with hints of cinnamon, licorice, chocolate, coffee and tobacco. It's best enjoyed when served slightly chilled at 16°C to 18°C with desserts or cheeses.
Quinta do Noval's Late Bottled Vintage Port is a true gem from Portugal's Douro Valley that showcases the estate's commitment to quality winemaking and dedication to preserving ancient traditions in modern times. With its robust taste profile and perfect balance between sweetness and acidity, it's no wonder why this LBV Port has been considered one of Portugal's best for decades!
Can Late Bottled Vintage Port Be Stored for Long-Term Use?
Yes, Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) Port can be kept after it has been opened. Unfiltered LBV's can typically last a week or two in the refrigerator before its flavor begins to diminish. For filtered LBV's, they can usually last up to ten days without any major quality deterioration. In either case, it is best to store the open bottle of port in the refrigerator and consume it as soon as possible for optimal flavor and freshness.
Difference Between Late Bottled Vintage Port and Vintage Port
The main difference between Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) Port and Vintage Port is the amount of aging before bottling. LBV Port is aged four to six years, while true Vintage Port is aged two years before it is bottled. Additionally, LBV Port is designed to be ready to drink immediately upon bottling, while Vintage Port should be aged further once it has been put in bottles. Finally, LBV typically has a softer taste and lower tannin levels than Vintage Port, since it spends less time aging in barrels.
Storing Late Bottled Vintage Ports
Late bottled vintage ports should be stored on their side in a dark, cool, and humid place. The ideal temperature to store them is between 10°C and 14°C. Keeping the temperature stable is key for proper maturation of the port. Humidity is also important, as it helps to protect the cork from drying out and preventing oxidation of the wine. To ensure proper storage conditions, it is best to keep late bottled vintage ports in a wine cellar or a specialised wine fridge.
Understanding the Meaning of LBV for Port Wine
LBV stands for Late Bottled Vintage and refers to a type of Port wine that is aged between four and six years after the vintage year. It is usually made in larger quantities than other types of Port, such as classic vintage or single-quinta vintage. There are two main styles of LBV Port: one that is ready to drink when released, and one that requires bottle aging before it can be enjoyed. The frmer is typically bottled after four years of aging and has a fruity flavor profile, while the latter requires more time in the bottle before drinking and may have complex flavors from the extended aging process. LBV Ports are generally more affordable than other types of Port, making them an excellent choice for casual enjoyment.
Shelf Life of Unopened Late Bottled Vintage Port
Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) port is aged for a minimum of four years before bottling and can be enjoyed immediately upon purchase or left to age in the bottle. Generally speaking, an unopened bottle of LBV port will last for about five to seven years if stored properly, though some varieties may age even longer and can retain teir quality for up to 10 years or more. To ensure your LBV port lasts as long as possible, it's important to store it in a cool and dark place away from direct sunlight and excessive heat. Additionally, it should be stored upright so that the cork does not dry out and allow air into the bottle.
Conclusion
Quinta do Noval is a renowned and respected producer of Port wines, particularly their Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) style. LBVs are aged for four to six years after the vintage and bottled ready to drink, as opposed to Vintage Port which needs to be aged for several years after bottling. Quinta do Noval's LBV Ports are known for their complex flavour profiles and long-lasting shelf life, providing drinkers with a consistently pleasing experience. Whether you're looking for an everyday table wine or something special to mark a special occasion, Quinta do Noval's LBV selection will deliver.
