Description

ABOUT THE PRODUCER:
Having celebrated their 100th year of trading in 2013, Barros Port is undoubtedly one of the most prestigious companies producing and trading in Port. Much of their success comes from Colheita Ports – old Tawnies from a single year matured in cask for a minimum period of seven years. Their expertise in Colheita Ports has established them as the stand out producer of this style. Barros leaves their Colheita Ports to mature in cask until being hand bottled to order. The loss of wine from evaporation (known as the ‘Angel’s Share’) is much higher in comparison to bottle ageing. It is a sacrifice they are willing to make and one that helps them achieve unsurpassed quality in their Colheita wines. In June 2006, Barros was integrated into the Sogevinus Group who are growing the brand in international markets.

ABOUT THE VINEYARD:
The vines are grown on terraces cut into the steep hillsides of the Douro Valley. The vines have been planted along the terraces of the greatest slopes, the “Vinha ao Alto” , which translates as “vertically planted vines”. The vineyard soils are schist greywacke ante-Ordovician, with some granitic formations. This soil is rich in nutrients and has useful water retention properties. Traditionally, the vines in the region are grown low, close to the ground. The single or double Guyot and unilateral and bilateral cordons are the methods most frequently used for training the vines. Trellises are not permitted for Port Wine grapes. The grapes are manually harvested, once they have reached the optimum maturity according to the variety.

THE WINEMAKING PROCESS:
Barros Colheita 1974 is produced by the traditional Port method. The grapes were destemmed, crushed and underwent a careful skin maceration to extract colour, aromatics and fine tannins. Fermentation took place at controlled temperatures of between 28 to 30°C in vats (known as lagares) with constant pump overs during fermentation, until the desired Baumé was reached. At this point, grape brandy was added, which is known as the ‘benefit’, resulting in a fortified wine with perfect balance. A wine of exceptional quality, from a single harvest, a Colheita wine matures in oak barrels for varying periods of time, but never less than seven years. Produced from a single year, this exquisite Port was matured in cask and shows considerable finesse.

OUR TASTING NOTES:
Amber coloured with slight reflexes of red. Rich and engaging, the 1974 reveals a complex and opulent bouquet of prunes, dried fruits, hints of spice and delicate oak. The palate delivers lovely balance between power and finesse, with a silky texture and beautifully enduring flavours.

GRAPE VARIETY:
Tinta Barroca 25%, Tinta Roriz 25%, Touriga Franca 25%, Touriga Nacional 25%.

AWARDS:
98 Points, International Wine & Spirit Competition, 2022
93 Points, International Wine Challenge, 2022
93 Points, Decanter World Wine Awards, 2022
92 Points, Wine Spectator, 2022