Description: |
Ninfa Grande Reserva Joao Barbosa & Filos
João Barbosa founded his company, João TM Barbosa Vinhos, in 1997. Although this may be considered a young winery in Portugual, Barbosa’s family has a rich history of winemaking in the region. His grandfather founded the famed Caves Dom Teodósio and as a young boy, João would accompany his grandfather to work in the vineyards.
Barbosa produces his Ninfa label at his Porta de Teira winery located in Rio Major, Tejo.
The Touriga Nacional vines for Ninfa Grande Reserva are situated on rich soils composed of clay and limestone. The vineyard sites host a Mediterranean climate with influence from the Atlantic. South-facing vineyards that are planted on steep slopes to promote drainage, along with ideal temperature amplitude and maximum sun exposure, are all factors that contribute to the ideal conditions for grape ripening.
Harvest is completed entirely by hand; carefully selected bunches are transported to the winery for placement in wooden vats for maceration and fermentation.
The wine is aged for 24 months in French oak barrels and is bottled without filtration before bottling.
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Taste: |
A great example of Touriga Nacional from Tejo, and how gracefully it can age. The fruit is dark, ripe, and dried black cherry, black berry, currant, prunes, and figs. There is a distinctive dried earth and camphor note to the wine, with tobacco leaf, allspice, and nutmeg. The wine is dry, full-bodied with fine, grippy tannin. |
Cellaring Potential: |
Drinking beautifully but can age another 4+ years. |
Food Matching: |
A great pairing for dry-aged steak, wild boar stew, or mushrooms with baked polenta. |