The Evolution of Niepoort: From Classic Ports to Dynamic Table Wines

Niepoort is a storied name in the wine industry. Known for its traditional, high-quality Ports, Niepoort has now expanded its horizons to include a diverse range of dynamic table wines from across both Portugal and Spain that are gaining huge acclaim with wine lovers and critics the world over.

We’re going to take a look at the innovative approaches and visionary leadership that have guided Niepoort’s transformation, with a well-judged blend of time-honoured practices and modern techniques. Niepoort have managed what so few before them have achieved, by successfully navigating a fast-evolving wine landscape, maintaining its esteemed reputation whilst appealing to a new generation of wine enthusiasts.

Who are Niepoort Wines?

Niepoort is one of the most famous names in the world of wine, let alone their home country of Portugal. Celebrated for their exceptional fortified Ports and Douro table wines, the company was founded back in 1842 by Eduard Kebe, before later being acquired by F. M. van der Niepoort. The company remains family-owned, currently led by the enigmatic and visionary Dirk Niepoort, the fifth generation of the family to hold the position.

The main operation is located in the historic base in Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto and vineyards in The Douro Valley. Their portfolio includes a variety of wines, from classic Ports like Vintage, Tawny, and Colheita to still wines from the Douro region. In recent years, the range has been expanded by wines from other famed regions of Portugal such as Dao and Bairrada, as well as those from the other side of the border in Spain. In which the Niepoort team collaborated with local growers or producers to produce some exceptional editions.

As well as high-quality wines, Niepoort have gained a favourable reputation for their work with sustainable viticulture and minimal intervention winemaking, allowing the unique terroir of their vineyards to shine through.

The Best Vineyard Sites of Niepoort in the Douro Valley

Niepoort built its reputation on the fortified and table wines of Portugal’s iconic Douro Valley. Across the years they have collected a selection of exceptional vineyard sites, critical to the quality and character of their wines. It is from these vineyards, situated in prime locations and benefiting from diverse microclimates and unique terroirs, that Niepoort’s famous Ports and Douro wines are produced.

Quinta de Nápoles, located in the Cima Corgo subregion, is one of Niepoort’s most esteemed vineyard sites. Its schist soils and varying altitudes are ideal for cultivating some of Portugal’s most celebrated, indigenous grape varieties, with a selection of old, bush vines producing grapes of remarkable concentration and complexity, forming the backbone of many of Niepoort’s acclaimed wines.

Quinta do Carril, adjacent to Quinta de Nápoles, is another significant site known for its old vines and exceptional grape quality. The high-altitude vineyards here produce wines with excellent acidity and balance.

Additionally, Niepoort has worked for many years with a selection of top-quality grape growers across the Douro region, being able to source grapes that each contribute distinct characteristics to their Ports and Douro wines.

The Port Styles of Niepoort

Niepoort built its reputation around its fortified Port wines, and in particular, its flagship Vintage Port, made from the finest grapes and only in exceptional years. These Ports are rich, complex, and designed for long-term ageing, developing greater depth and nuance over decades. The Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) Port, aged longer in barrels than typical Vintage Ports, is also a great option, offering a more accessible entry point into ruby ports and ready for immediate drinking while still retaining depth and structure.

Niepoort’s Tawny Ports are aged in small oak casks, allowing gradual oxidation and evaporation, resulting in a smooth, mellow flavour profile with notes of dried fruits, nuts, and caramel. These include 10, 20, 30, and 40-year-old Tawnies, each reflecting the extended ageing periods with increasing complexity and refinement.

The Douro Table Wines of Niepoort

The table wines of Niepoort showcase the diverse terroir of the Douro region, whilst emphasising the indigenous grape varieties of the region such as Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, and Tinta Amarela. These wines are crafted with a distinct focus on minimal intervention, to allow the natural characteristics of the grapes to showcase in each bottle.

Niepoort’s Redoma series in particular, including both red and white wines, exemplifies a natural elegance and balance. The reds are known for their structure and the whites for their minerality and freshness. The Dialogo and Conciso lines offer approachable yet complex wines, highlighting the versatility of Douro’s vineyards. The Nat’Cool range represents Niepoort’s innovative spirit, featuring market-friendly, low-alcohol, naturally vinified wines that are light, fresh, and fun and perfect for a new breed of wine lover.

Niepoort’s Other Portuguese Wines

Beyond the Douro Valley, Niepoort have embraced the diversity, indigenous grape varieties and growing quality focus of other notable Portuguese wine regions. Their portfolio now offers a great insight into the varied and distinctive wines that reflect the diverse terroirs of the country.

Dão

To the south of the Douro Valley lies the Dão region, known for its granitic soils and temperate climate, Niepoort use this terroir to create elegant wines that emphasise finesse and minerality. The “Rótulo” series from Dão, for instance, features blends of indigenous varieties like Touriga Nacional and Jaen, offering a harmonious balance of fruit and acidity with subtle complexity.

Bairrada

Further to the coast lies Bairrada, a region famed for its Baga grape, from which Niepoort produces wines that are both robust and refined. The “Lagar de Baixo” showcases the potential of Baga, delivering wines with vibrant acidity, firm tannins, and remarkable ageing potential.

Vinho Verde

Additionally, Niepoort has ventured into the famous northern mountains of the Vinho Verde region. The vineyards here are renowned for producing fresh, aromatic white wines made primarily from Alvarinho and Loureiro grapes. These wines are celebrated for their crispness, floral notes, and refreshing qualities.

Niepoort’s Spanish Wines

Yes, you read it right! Apart from their primarily known Portuguese wines, Nipoort also expanded into Spain. They brought their innovative spirit to several distinctive, and often underrated Spanish wine regions. To the north of Portugal, in Spain’s North Western Galicia region, lies the wine region of Ribeira Sacra where Niepoort collaborates on projects like “Ladredo”. This is a wine that showcases the region’s steep, terraced vineyards and indigenous Mencia black grape, combining elegance, minerality, and vibrant acidity.

Niepoort uses its Spanish wines to emphasise its commitment to minimal intervention and sustainable practices, mirroring its philosophy in Portugal. These wines capture the distinctiveness of Spain’s diverse terroirs, further solidifying their reputation as a leading winemaker in the Iberian Peninsula.

Learn more about Niepoort.

The 5 Wines That Show Off the Best of Niepoort

Niepoort Drink Me Tinto

The “Drink Me” series is created to be easy to drink, yet can maintain complexity, mineral notes, and great depth – much like a classic Douro wine. A quaffable and full-bodied red with its trademark violet character, along with crunchy red berries, mint and herb accents.

Niepoort Vinho Verde Nat Cool (1 Litre)

“Welcome to the Nat Cool world!”

Nat Cool series brings together different wine producers to create light, easy-to-drink wines with minimal intervention winemaking methods. The wines are known for their cool and funky personality, with uncomplicated profile and low alcohol content. They are also distinguished by their unmistakable 1L NatCool bottles.

An easy-drinking and refreshing Vinho Verde, revealing vibrant notes of citrus, peach, and herbs, along with excellent acidity and a touch of salinity in the finish.

Niepoort Tiara

Tiara is a fresh and elegant white wine from the Douro Valley to showcase that such delicate wines can be produced even in such a supposedly continental region. The age of vines (an average of 60 years), slow fermentation and the plot altitude are the keys to the concentration and characteristic floral notes of the Códega do Larinho grape variety. This wine is an absolute pleasure to drink when young, especially after decanting. However, it will only become more promising after years of ageing.

Check out our range of vintage Tiara.

Niepoort Tawny NV 20 years NV

Fresh cranberry, raisins, caramel, milk chocolate, roasted nuts and walnuts… Just imagine, all in one sip. This Tawny 20-years is an impeccable, elegant and fine fortified wine. The fruity character is predominant with a long nutty aftertaste. This impressive port is a treat for any fortified wine fans.

Niepoort Party Port Magnum

A special edition of Niepoort’s finest quality Tawny Reserve, only 1486 magnum bottles were produced. By ageing in small barrels, this port has developed a velvety mouthfeel with a well-balanced blend of old wines providing richness and younger wines providing freshness and complexity. This is a top-notch Tawny Port but also a great addition to your wine collection.

This Blog post is written by Mike Turner
Freelance wine writer, presenter and judge

Mike is a regular contributor for The Buyer magazine and is a certified educator and ambassador for Bordeaux, Rioja, Ribera Del Duero, Barolo and Barbaresco, running trade and consumer events across the UK from his base in the East Midlands.

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