Quinta da Lomba Tinto, Garrafeira Dão DOC 2016

Wine description for Quinta da Lomba Tinto Garrafeira Dão DOC 2016 by Niepoort

Character

A red wine of quiet elegance that does not flaunt its power. The 2016 vintage now has eight years of maturation behind it – enough time to soften the edges and develop that spicy depth which makes mature Dão wines so fascinating. Dry, with 13.5% alcohol, it presents itself as balanced and structured, more cool and restrained than opulent. Here speaks a wine that rewards patience.

Terroir & Origin

The Dão lies in the heart of Portugal, nestled in granite soils and surrounded by mountain ranges that shield it from Atlantic moisture. Niepoort, rooted in the Douro Valley since 1842, has found a second home here. Dirk Niepoort, with his wild curls and round glasses, recognised the region’s potential early on: cool nights, mineral soils, old vines. Quinta da Lomba embodies this approach – terroir over technology, finesse over fullness.

Grape Varieties & Vinification

The cuvée of Jaen, Tinta Pinheira and Alfrocheiro brings together three indigenous varieties that call the Dão their home. Jaen (known as Touriga Franca in the Douro) provides structure and dark fruit, Tinta Pinheira freshness and acidity, Alfrocheiro spice and depth. Niepoort has been farming organically since 1999; today all vineyards are certified biodynamic. Hand harvesting, spontaneous fermentation, gentle ageing – the credo is clear: wine is made in the vineyard.

Food Pairings

A wine for the table, not for the display cabinet. With braised lamb and rosemary it reveals its spicy side, with game dishes its depth. Mature cheese or a simple Coq au Vin also pair wonderfully. For those who prefer something more rustic: Feijoada, the Portuguese bean stew, strikes the perfect regional note.