Why Caviste Loves Niepoort - and Why We’re Mad for the 2019 Vertente Magnum

There are wine producers you admire, and then there are producers you find yourself constantly wanting to drink. Niepoort falls firmly into the latter category. For generations, this independent family business has been doing things its own way, combining the traditions of Portugal with a distinctly modern, slightly left-field approach. Under Dirk Niepoort, the house has become particularly admired for making wines that show the Douro’s natural power without losing freshness, elegance or drinkability.

That is exactly why we love the 2019 Vertente. It has all the things we look for in a great Douro red: plenty of ripe red and black fruit, peppery spice, a lovely mineral edge and enough acidity to keep everything feeling fresh rather than heavy. The fruit comes from a mix of younger vines at Quinta de Nápoles and older vineyards around Pinhão, bringing together concentration and finesse in the same bottle.

And then there’s the magnum. The 2019 Vertente has had more time and space to develop gracefully in bottle, while giving you the obvious bonus of being a much better-looking proposition on the dinner table. It is the sort of wine that can handle a Sunday roast, a big steak or a serious cheeseboard, but is equally happy being passed around a table with friends. Fresh, characterful, properly Portuguese and incredibly good fun.