niepoort

Douro, Bairrada and Dão 2017 by Dirk Niepoort

Douro, Bairrada and Dão 2017 by Dirk Niepoort

Discover all 2017 wines of Dirk Niepoort from Bairrada, Dão and Douro Douro 2017 The viticultural year 2016/2017 was one of extreme heat and very dry. Although rainfall in November was above average, rainfall in December and January  was over  50% down on an average year and the winter was cold, especially during the month of January when temperatures were 2ºC lower than average (source ADVID). While from February onwards temperatures were significantly higher than average (source ADVID). The spring of 2017 saw rainfall well below average, for example during the month of…Read more
Douro, Bairrada and Dão 2016 by Dirk Van Der Niepoort

Douro, Bairrada and Dão 2016 by Dirk Van Der Niepoort

Quinta de Nápoles - Batuta and Coche 2016 was an extremely unusual vintage in the Douro Valley. We experienced a harsh winter with plenty of rainfall, which raised the moisture content of the soils to levels far above average. In addition, spring brought constantly low temperatures and therefore unfavourable conditions for pollination and flowering, affecting grape development and yields. During the months of July and August, high average temperatures were recorded, whereas in September the average did not exceed 21.7 degrees Celsius. Harvest began on 18 August and ended on 28 September. Due…Read more
Jerez: pleasure & frustration

Jerez: pleasure & frustration

By Jens Riis I admit to having a major weak spot for sherries (and other fortified Spanish wines). Over the years I’ve had many chances to enjoy these great wines; but, the low level of interest I perceive in Spain makes for serious concern & frustration. The saying “nobody is a prophet in their own land” defines it to perfection; from what I can see, sherries continue to out of sync with consumer preferences in this country. I seldom see people ordering a fino in a bar or restaurant; that said there have…Read more