Tasting
Ferreira Vintage Vinhas Velhas 2016 has a dark, almost impenetrable red colour and an aroma of excellent complexity and intensity. It has balsamic notes of resin and tobacco box, floral tones of rockrose and spicy notes, such as black pepper and clove. It has further hints of menthol, mineral nuances and a little cocoa: the result of an excellent maturation. On the palate, this wine is dense with a vibrant acidity conferring an excellent balance. It has firm and robust tannins of great quality and additional notes of green tea, rockrose and basil; its finish is extremely long, elegant and complex.
Harvest year
2016 was an unusual year in terms of weather. The winter was mild and dry but the constant rain that started towards the end of the winter persisted into spring, accompanied by periods of low temperatures. These factors affected flowering and contributed to unusual incidences of disease on the vine, especially mildew. Summer was mild, with some surges of high temperature and cold nights and this helped ensure that the final maturation period was long and balanced. The resulting wines were of excellent quality.
Maturation
The exceptional wines selected for this final blend were transported to Ferreira’s wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia where they matured in ideal conditions, in terms of temperature and humidity, in oak barrels characteristic of the Ferreira brand. The wines’ evolution was constantly monitored by the winemaking team, multiple tests and analysis, confirming the calibre of those used in the final blend.
Store
Porto Ferreira Vintage Vinhas Velhas 2016 comes in a cork-sealed black bottle, which guarantees a tight seal during long periods of storage. Although this wine can be consumed immediately, it will gain growing complexity from extended aging in the bottle – reaching its peak after around 15 years and enjoying a lifespan of roughly 20-25 years. Store in a horizontal position, at between 16ºC-18ºC, away from intense light.
Serve
Over the years, a natural sediment may form in the bottle and this wine should therefore be opened carefully and preferably decanted. This wine surprises and will benefit from being opened some time prior to consumption. Serve at 16ºC-18ºC.
