Porto producer Sandeman in celebration of its 225th anniversary has launched a limited edition 2013 Single Quinta Vintage Porto, the second only in the company’s history, from its home vineyard Quinta do Seixo, in the Cima Corgo.
Nearly 30% of the blend comes from 100-year-old vines, with the remaining Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Sousão and Tinta Francisca coming from vines with an average age of 50 years.
Sandeman became part of Sogrape Vinhos in 2002, while Quinta do Seixo has been one of the company’s vineyards since 1987.
Rebuilt and dedicated to Sandeman in 2007, the first harvest vinified at this modern winery, specifically equiped for the vinification of the company’s best Porto Wines, was declared a Vintage Porto. Followed by the highly recognised Vintage 2011, there is a clear indication of what the winemaking team can do with the great grapes and technology at their disposal.
“The Sandeman Quinta do Seixo 2013 is a true reflection of the vineyards’s best grapes of two years ago,” says Luís Sottomayor, head winemaker. “Although 2013 was a cold and rainy year in the Douro, the truth is that these grapes showed great maturation, and more importantly, the wine has shown a wonderful evolution, motivating us to make this second only single quinta in Sandeman’s history”.
Speaking of the release, seventh generation of the Sandeman family and Sogrape Vinhos Board member George Sandeman comments: “We are proud to be releasing Quinta do Seixo 2013 Vintage Porto to mark 225 years of Sandeman history. Because it is the first from Quinta do Seixo, where Sandeman sources its best grapes for Porto Wine production, it is for us a very special Porto to follow the launch of Sandeman Cask 33 Very Old Tawny Porto which kicked off a year of celebration.”
Matt Douglas, MD of Sogrape UK comments: “Vintage dated Portos currently represent around 15% of the category in the UK. This sector is dynamic and growing with an increasing consumer interest in premium Porto. The release of Sandeman Quinta do Seixo 2013 Vintage Porto marks an important occasion for the company and also presents us with an opportunity to open a conversation with more Porto fans.”
Sandeman Quinta do Seixo 2013 Vintage Porto was shown for the first time at the Big Fortified Tasting in London and will be available from Sogrape UK in July, with an RRP of around £30 for a 75cl bottle. A limited number of magnums, double magnums and methuselahs have also been bottled.
1 June 2015 - Felicity Murray The Drinks Report, editor
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