Description
Wines of exception in time of war
It’s 1940, in the Douro wine region, in the historic Quinta de São Luiz. The year had been difficult, but the quality of the fruit predicted a long future for the wines from this harvest. Over the years and generations, there were many opportunities and pressures to commercialize this nectar. The world was changing and societies evolving. However, this wine was safeguarded for 80 long years, in a cellar that has passed through time. Being patient is a virtue of the strong. This waiting, combined with the terroir, the vision and the mastery of aging wines in cask, turned this wine into a unique experience.
Distinctions:
Colheita 1940 Tawny
97 pts Wine Advocate, Mark Squires
98 pts Decanter Magazine, Julie Sheppard
19 pts Purple Pages, Jancis Robinson
19 pts Revista de Vinhos, José João Santos
19 pts Revista Grandes Escolhas, João Paulo Martins
Winemaking and Aging
Hand-picked at their optimum point, the grapes are destemmed, crushed and vinified according to a process that is based on careful maceration with extraction of color, tannins and aromas from the skins, complemented by permanent pumping over during fermentation. This takes place in mills until reaching the desired Baumé degree. At this stage, wine brandy is added (benefit), resulting in a fortified wine. High quality wine from a single harvest. It aged in wood for 80 years.
Tasting Notes
With a slightly greenish hue, this wine has an impeccable elegance and freshness where complex aromas of dried fruits abound, balanced with the expression of wood, spicy nuances and coffee notes. In the mouth, it involves layers and is complex with a long and textured finish.
Harmonization
Kopke recommends that it be served slightly chilled and suggests pairing it with tournedó, caramelized onion with peanut shavings, caramelized pear accompanied by Serra cheese ice cream, dehydrated apricots and desserts based on caramel, dried fruits and spices.
The wine must be stored in a cool and dry place, sheltered from light and temperature fluctuations and the bottle must remain in an upright position. As a natural product, Port Wine is subject to deposits with age. Once the bottle is opened, consumption within 2 to 6 months is recommended.
