Ramos Pinto Vintage Port 1995

• Size: 750ml
• Vintage: 1995
• ABV: 20%
• Origin: Douro/Portugal
• Grapes: 45% Touriga Nacional 40% Touriga Franca 15% Tinta Barroca

Description

Founded in 1880 by Adriano Ramos Pinto, this Port House has always had a pioneering spirit – from the distinctive and stylish ‘art nouveau’ advertising from the 1900s to the continuing wide ranging vineyard research with results that have benefited the whole port trade. Champagne Louis Roederer, now the majority shareholder, perpetuates this philosophy and ensures continuity in a company renowned for wine-making excellence.

Ramos Pinto holds the largest proportion of vineyards in relation to its production, giving it a high degree of control over viticultural methods and harvest timing. The house tends 187 hectares of prime vineyards in the Alto Corgo and Douro Superior areas of the famed Douro region, the mountainous valley formed by the Douro River and its tributaries.

Crushed by foot in the winepress, the grape fermentation process lasts around four to five days. The fermentation is stopped by the addition of 20% spirit. Lastly, the wine is racked. The vintage Port spent 20 months ageing in large oak, chestnut or mahogany casks and was bottled two years after the harvest.

In spite of ‘hot soil’ effects on most exposed vineyards during the first fortnight of July, vineyards had a good vegetative cycle and matured quite well. In September, sufficient reserves of water ensured ripe, fresh and perfect grapes. After vintage, taking into account that the weather become cooler, fermentation took place under excellent conditions. There’s no doubt that quantity and quality made a ‘nice team’ in 1995..

Deep, dark, opaque red. The nose combines mature dark fruits with spice and floral notes. The flavour is intense, lively with some notes of cedar and cinnamon. Smooth and silky with luscious texture. The fine tannins gave structure and good length. A fine example of Vintage Port that is ready to drink and will develop further over the next decade.

The wine should be opened and decanted two hours before being served, from 18º to 22ºC. For storage, the bottle should be laid horizontally in a cool place away from light.

A classic Vintage Port, to be enjoyed with strong creamy cheeses, mild fruit, or just savoured by itself.