Handford Wines

Niepoort is a family company now in its fifth generation and presently managed by the enigmatic Dirk Niepoort. Despite being the second smallest shippers in the trade they are second to none in quality. Already famous for their classic tawny ports they have now joined the ranks of great producers of Vintage Port. Niepoort own Quinta de Napoles on the Tedo ( a tributary of the Douro ) , and Quinta do Carril and have been at the forefront of the production of still Douro wines. Using barrels from the great french barrel maker Francois Freres Niepoort are producing delicious almost Burgundian whites and stylish fine reds as well as a vibrant rose.

The Wine

The Reserva Branco label was initiated as it became clear that some barrels of white clearly exceeded others in quality. After a couple of vintages, it was noted that these barrels always came from four specific 80 year old vineyards, where the main varieties include Rabigato and acaodega. The wine was barrel fermented ( 80% new and French), and matured, without malolactic fermentation, for 14 months before bottling. It is certainly the best Reserva produced to date, with great refinement, and shows distinct minerality rather than fruitiness. The comparison to white Burgundy seems inevitable, although this is very much its own wine.

Single Bottle: £25.00

In a case of 12: £23.75