Barros Colheita Port 1996
Winner of Gold Medal in Decanter Wine Awards 2020
The 1996 Colheita Port from Barros is a delicious example of single vintage tawny port. This tawny port has a lovely balance between power and finesse with a silky texture and beautifully sustained flavours. It has a delightful nutty characteristic and is delicious on it's own as an aperatif, with tapas, cheese or most desserts.
Established at the beginning of the century, Barros, Almeida & C0 ”€œ Vinhos S.A., is 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. It's 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 appreciated all over the world. The unique things about Barros Colheita Port is the fact that it is kept in cask until ready to bottle. As the casks naturaly lose up to 10% of the contents due to evapouration (The Angels Share) each year the casks must be topped up with the same vintage. This means a vintage can start with 500 casks and over time with no sales at all can dwindle to a few hundred casks. This drives the price up as supply and demand decrease the stocks.
Vinification
This wine was made from a careful selection of grapes and an extended maceration in order to obtain the necessary richness, body and fruitiness needed for a Colheita port. Fermentation was arrested by adding grape alcohol in order to produce a naturally sweet wine.
Viticulture
The vines are cultivated on terraces or platforms supported by the natural contours of the hillsides.
Tasting Note
Old Tawnies from a single year, matured in cask for a minimum period of 8 years. Amber colour with a bouquet reminiscent of dried fruits and spice. Soft and velvety on the palate with a lingering finish.
Everyday Serving Suggestion
Barros Colheita Port 1996 is best served at 17°c to 18°c as an aperitif, with desserts, with cheese, with chocolates and also with a good cigar.
Awards
Bronze (Decanter Wine Awards 2010)
Country / Region / Appellation
PT / Douro Valley / DO Porto
Winemaker
Manuel Barros
Vegetarian/Vegan - Yes/No
Milk/Eggs Yes/No
Contains Sulphites - Yes
ABV% - 20%
