This has a very pure, detailed nose of red fruit and dried flowers. The palate is medium-bodied with restrained fruit flavors and soft and silky yet grainy tannins. Very balanced and harmonious, with a lovely fruit expression. A blend of different varieties. Drink or hold. James Suckling.
 
As the name suggests (“Vertente” means “aspect” or “hillside”), this wine represents an overview of the Douro Valley: it is made up of a little bit of all the Douro terroirs that we cultivate. The majority of the grapes originate from old vineyards aged between 50 and 80 years, with a traditional blend of several grape varieties.
 
Food pairing

This has a very pure, detailed nose of red fruit and dried flowers. The palate is medium-bodied with restrained fruit flavors and soft and silky yet grainy tannins. Very balanced and harmonious, with a lovely fruit expression. A blend of different varieties. Drink or hold. James Suckling.

 

As the name suggests (“Vertente” means “aspect” or “hillside”), this wine represents an overview of the Douro Valley: it is made up of a little bit of all the Douro terroirs that we cultivate. The majority of the grapes originate from old vineyards aged between 50 and 80 years, with a traditional blend of several grape varieties.

 

Food pairing

White meat dishes, poultry, turkey, game birds and vegetarian dishes with noodles or pasta, vegetarian quiches and oily fish like salmon & sea bass

 

Grapes: Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Amarela, Touriga Nacional

from the 20 year old vineyards of Quinta de Nápoles in the Tedo Valley and the rest of the old vineyards of the Pinhão Valley. 

 

Vinification

The 2021 vintage produced larger yields than expected. At Quinta de Nápoles, this meant an increase of 50% as compared to the previous year. The 2021 harvest began on 11 August, with ideal indicators: musts with high acidity levels, low alcohol as well as beautifully firm skin on the berries made for well-balanced red and white wines. Some instability in the weather during the month of September led to our cellars receiving an exceptionally large number of bunches, with various levels of ripeness according to their geographical origins. After a meticulous bunch selection in the vineyards, the grapes were sorted a second time in the cellar. The Vertente 2021 was fermented in conical stainless steel tanks before being left to mature for 22 months in french oak barrels.

   

Store & Serve

Serve at 16-18°C

 

Alcoholcontent

12 %vol

pH: 3,63

Critics & Awards

4,1/5 - Vivino (705 ratings)

90/100 - Wine Spectator Tasted: Feb 2026

 

Producer: Niepoort 

Region: Douro