Founded in 1880 by Adriano Ramos Pinto, this Port House has always had a pioneering spirit – from the distinctive and stylish ‘art nouveau’ advertising from the 1900s to the continuing wide ranging vineyard research with results that have benefited the whole port trade. Champagne Louis Roederer, now the majority shareholder, perpetuates this philosophy and ensures continuity in a company renowned for wine-making excellence.
Ramos Pinto holds the largest proportion of vineyards in relation to its production, giving it a high degree of control over viticultural methods and harvest timing. The house tends 187 hectares of prime vineyards in the Alto Corgo and Douro Superior areas of the famed Douro region, the mountainous valley formed by the Douro River and its tributaries.
Crushed by foot in the winepress, the grape fermentation process lasts around four to five days. The fermentation is stopped by the addition of 20% spirit. Lastly, the wine is racked. It does not undergo any hot or cold treatment or filtration. The Port spends 20 months ageing in large oak, chestnut or mahogany casks. and is bottled two years after the harvest (July 2002).
Winter was exceptionally dry with virtually no rain. However, cool and wet weather set in during April and persisted into May. This slowed down vine development and flowering and led to poor fruit set. This set the scene for one of the smallest harvests in many years. In June, ideal dry weather conditions prevailed. The summer was not one of extreme heat. September began with an unusually hot period, leading to a rapid advancement in maturity. When the vintage started, the fruit was in excellent condition, the grapes looking slightly ‘raisined’ characteristic of good Port grapes.
Exceptionally deep dense colour. A complex mixture of aromas: compote of red fruits, ripe plums, with hints of dark chocolate and pepper. On the palate, it is elegant and well structured, full bodied, brimming with fruity flavour, full of concentration and firm tannins that will give great potential for ageing further. A long, velvety aftertaste.
A classic Vintage Port, to be enjoyed with strong creamy cheeses, fruit, or simply savoured by itself.
The wine should be opened and decanted two hours before being served, from 18º to 22ºC. For storage, the bottle should be laid horizontally in a cool place away from light.
Mundus Vini Grand Gold Award
Douro Valley, Portugal
60% Touriga Nacional
15% Tinta Roriz
10% Tinta Barroca
15% blend of old vines
Cork
20%
4.12 g/l
Yes
Yes