Good harvest reported by Sogevinus after difficult year
High-quality Port and Douro wine producer Sogevinus is reporting a good harvest after a challenging vine-growing year, with exceptional results from the Touriga Franca and Touriga Nacional varietals in particular.
The year began with heavy rain and above-average temperatures followed by a cold, wet spring which delayed the vines' growth. High temperatures and high humidity at the end of the season led to the spread of mildew in the vineyards, which made management of the vines difficult.
Summer was hot and dry but some hailstorms in July led to losses in a number of vineyards.
Despite the delays in growth and the other problems, maturation analysis showed consistently good results. The berries and bunches showed a good pulp/skin ratio, suggesting richer and more complex wines, despite being typically smaller than in previous years.
The Port harvest began on September 5 in Quinta de São Luíz, with the red grapes at Quinta do Arnozelo following the week after. The grapes were in excellent health with good yield, and the harvest finished on October 10, shortly before the onset of heavy rain.
The first tastings of White Ports are said to suggest aromatic wines on the nose and very delicate in the mouth. Red Ports are described as proving to be clean and quite aromatic, but will need ageing time to refine and reveal all their potential.
The still-wine harvest began on September 5 in Quinta de São Luiz and on September 23 at Quinta do Arnozelo. Rain fall during the month required the harvest schedule to be reprioritised.
According to Sogevinus, the Touriga Nacional is delicate in the mouth, revealing freshness and fragrance, with notes of orange blossom and violet. Tinta Roriz is quite mineral, fresh and fruity. Sousão is dark and structured, and velvety on the palate.
Touriga Franca is producing wines with good structure and good colour, elegant body, and notes of fresh wild berries and rose blossom.
The white wines are typically fresh and fruity, with those from high levels being very mineral.
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