Barros Vintage '96

Established at the beginning of the century, Barros, Almeida & C0 - Vinhos S.A., is undoubtedly, one of the most prestigious companies producing and trading in port. Nowadays, the Barros Group is composed of several companies acquired or established along the years, and its position on the port market is an important one (about 5% of total sales) producing in its Quintas up the Douro about 600 pipes of port. Barros' Ports are nowadays famous, appreciated all over the world.

Grapes: The traditional varieties from the Douro. The vines are cultivated on terraces supported by stone walls, or on platforms held by natural slopes on the contours of the hillsides.

Soil: Schists.

Vinification: From a careful selection of grapes and an extended maceration in order to obtain the necessary richness, intensity and colour needed for a Vintage port. Fermentation was arrested by adding grape alcohol in order to produce a naturally sweet wine.

Note: Vintage Port is a wine of a single harvest of outstanding quality. The wine must be bottled between the second and third year of age, maturing henceforth in bottle. Vintage
Ports are wines that develop very well in the bottle and should therefore be cellared in a dry and cool place where the bottles should be kept laid down.

Serve: At 17 to 18C decanting before pouring with mature cheese, chocolates and a good cigar.

Taste: Lovely aromas of violets and berries with a hint of spice. Medium bodied with silky fine tannins, and a long and delicious aftertaste.