VINTAGE PORT The grapes used to make our Vintage Ports come from our best old vines. They are then foot trodden in old stone tanks called “lagares”. Our Vintage Ports are bottled unfiltered after maturing for two years in large Portuguese oak vats. When young they are usually a very dark ruby in colour almost opaque with intense aromas of very ripe fruit. Combining in highly complex wines that have great longevity. Characteristics Grape varieties - Old vines – several grape varieties Vineyards - “Socalcos” (terraces supported by stone walls) Aspect - East/South Soil - Schist Appellation - Douro Winemaking The grapes from old vines are taken to the winery in plastic boxes. On arrival in the winery they are rigorously inspected on a sorting table. The grapes with their stems are then slightly crushed and transferred to a traditional stone tank where they are foot trodden. After this, the grape spirit is added to stop the fermentation and fortify the wine. Maturation Two years in large oak vats.