Niepoort Batuta 2017

Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Niepoort
Label Name:
 
Batuta
Vintage:
 
2017
Country:
 
Portugal
Region:
 
Douro (Cima Corgo)
Volume:
 
375ml
ABV:
 
13.5%
Grape(s):
 
Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo), Rufete, Malvasia Preta, Tinta Amarela
Acidity:
 
4
Tannins:
 
4
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
4
Length:
 
5
Aroma Intensity:
 
4
Best Temperature:
 
16-18°C

Awards/Ratings
Selected scores for Batuta 2017 — James Suckling 96/100; Falstaff 94/100; Wine Advocate / Robert Parker 92–94 (various reports); merchant listings commonly show ~93 average

Tasting Note
Dense, austere black-fruit core (blackberry, black cherry), mineral slate, forest-floor and mushroom notes, subtle floral and spice, fine oak, fresh acidity, firm fine tannins and a long, saline finish.

Food Pairing
Western: grilled ribeye, roast lamb, venison, mushroom risotto. Asian: Korean BBQ (bulgogi), Chinese braised short ribs, char siu, mushroom hot pot or Korean stews.

Production Method
Hand-harvested from old-vine Douro sites; extended maceration and fermentation in stainless steel and wood; full malolactic; aged ~18–22 months in French oak barriques (≈25% new).

Vineyard Info
Niepoort, family-owned Douro house (founded 1842) led by Dirk van der Niepoort. Batuta sourced from old vineyards (Quinta do Carril, Quinta de Nápoles) on schist soils in Cima Corgo.