The Niepoort family, originally from the Netherlands, has been creating Port Wines since 1842 and established themselves as one of the most respectable Port Houses.

Dirk Niepoort, fifth generation, runs the firm with a dedication and enthusiasm that has made him one of the most popular figures in the wine trade, and quickly became a trailblazer of table wines in Portugal with his projects focused on Terroir, elegance and the relentless pursuit of freshness. Dirk helped transform the Douro region and the way the world thinks about wine, with wines transcending the heat and displaying astounding craft and elegance.

His vision has striven to improve the company on all aspects: the vineyards were upgraded in sustainability (notably most are farmed organically, without any pesticides and herbicides) and the winery completely revamped. As for the grape crushing, Dirk is a passionate advocate of the traditional method of ‘treading’ (by foot) to extract maximum colour and flavour. These efforts resulted in magnificent examples from recent years.

Dirk Niepoort deserves the accolades he receives for his hard work, dedication and wonderful craft which propelled him to be one of the most reverred in Portugal and a world wine legend, elevating not only Port but Portugal’s dry wines.

Quinta de Baixo Vinhas Velhas is the result of combining the varieties Maria Gomes and Bical from century-old vineyards with a perfect limestone terroir. Due to the high natural acidity, this vineyards give rise to wines with a pH below 3.0, which makes possible the malolactic fermentation that occurs in 1000 litres Fuders over 60 years old, from Mosel. VV represents the incredible lightness and complexity of Bairrada.

2019 was a year with some rainfall and an intensely cold March, which resulted in slow growth. However, thanks to a warm spring, the grapes matured quickly, leading to an earlier harvest. Picking began with the white grape varieties on 26 August and ended with the reds on 26 September. It was a good year, with well-balanced acidities. Although alcohol levels were higher than the previous year, we were able to maintain the freshness and elegance that characterise the wines of the Quinta de Baixo.

Soil type – Calcareous Clay

Grape – Bical and Maria Gomes

Age – 80 years

Residual Sugar – 0.5 g/L

Alcohol – 12.1 %

This wine boasts a bright and light lemon yellow appearance, similar to the 2018 vintage. Its nose is discreet, with notes of hazelnut, citrus, and apricot as well as floral and vegetal aromas which add to the wine’s complexity and sophistication. This is a serious and unique white wine that impresses the most with its palate: great structure, elegance, outstanding acidity and a saline character which brings us right back to the limestone soils of the Bairrada. Its finish is long, lingering and full of spice.

Seafood dishes, roasted fish and cod dishes. Goes very well with dishes inspired by Japanese cuisine, with alkaline and iodised flavours (such as the Nori seaweed).

Wine Advocate Robert Parker – 92 points (2018)

The 2018 Branco Vinhas Velhas is an equal blend of Bical and Maria Gomes, aged for 20 months in old 1,000-liter German fuders. It comes in dry and at 11.4% alcohol (a correction). Beautiful acidity remains a little aggressive, but there is fruit asserting itself as well. This is lighter styled but piercing and penetrating. This still needs some development, and more will come, but its energy is exhilarating now.

James Suckling – 93 points (2016)

Intense green-apple ice cream, lemon curd, cumin and fresh thyme and nutmeg. Full body, loads of intensely spicy stone fruit, vibrant acidity and a very textured finish. Drink now. A blend of bical and maria gomes.