2024 Niepoort Vinho Verde 'Dócil'

100% Loureiro, farmed organically and biodynamically on granite soils in the Lima Valley subzone of Lousada. Whole bunches were pressed gently, then the must was left to settle before fermenting with native yeasts at a low temperature in stainless steel tanks. No malolactic fermentation. The wine is then aged for five months in stainless steel. 11.5% alcohol. 2,000 cases made. 

This bone dry Vinho Verde marries freshness with a salty mineral backbone. Floral aromatics, bright citrus, and a persistent finish that lingers with surprising complexity. Light in body but big on flavor.  Superb balance.

There is a revolution happening in the Douro, and Dirk Niepoort is leading the troops. For centuries this part of Portugal has been known only for its port, but today, many of these Portuguese winemakers are beginning to make red and white table wines with the same grapes that have traditionally only been used for ports.

Dirk was born in 1964 to a traditional Port family that has been in business since 1842. The first wine Dirk participated in making was the Niepoort Vintage Porto of 1987. At the time, the family owned no vineyards, and had to source all its wine and grapes from other growers. Since then, he took over the management of the winery and set to purchasing top, old-vine, steep vineyards to secure top quality grapes. He also started a project of making dry wines, from these prized, generally north-facing vineyards. Today, the Niepoort family owns 80 hectares of vines in the Douro, all farmed organically, incorporating some biodynamic principles as well.