Tucked into the steep, sun-drenched terraces of Portugal’s Douro Valley, Quinta do Noval is not just one of the oldest wine estates in the region, it’s one of the most iconic.
Since 1715, this historic quinta has been crafting wines that have helped define what Port can be, earning legendary status among collectors and casual sippers alike. But tradition doesn’t mean standing still.
The 2019 Vinhas da Marka, a wine that feels like Noval has turned a page into a new chapter, one where innovation walks hand-in-hand with heritage. This bottle is a bold tribute to precision viticulture and the untamed beauty of single-parcel expression.
From the first swirl in the glass, Vinhas da Marka makes its presence known. Aromatics leap out with a confidence that’s hard to ignore: lush blackberries, ripe raspberry, and that wild Douro intensity. Then come the layers with a flicker of smoky graphite, a rustic touch of cedarwood, hints of anise and orange blossom, and a silky caress of vanilla that’s just delicious enough to charm without overwhelming.
The palate is finely tuned with bright acidity cuts through with energy, while ripe, velvety tannins give the wine structure and depth. It’s a wine that manages to be both luxurious and refreshingly drinkable. Like a well-tailored suit with sneakers: polished, but not trying too hard.
What’s more, this 2019 has serious aging potential. With its firm structure and vivid acidity, it’s built to evolve beautifully over time.
That said, it’s drinking ridiculously well right now… so no judgment if it disappears from your cellar a little ahead of schedule.
In short, Vinhas da Marka is Quinta do Noval flexing its muscles outside of Port, showing just how exciting the Douro’s table wines can be when terroir is the star and the winemaking is fearless.
So here’s to Quinta do Noval! Three centuries young and still full of surprises.
Quinta do Noval Vinhas da Marka
''At the end of the day, you really can’t make a wrong choice.
As long as you pay attention to what it is that you don’t like about a wine
each bottle will get you closer to what you do like.
Take it one glass at a time!''