Our Vintage 1997 is a Single Quinta Vintage Porto, using grapes from only one harvest. A Single Quinta Vintage is considered to be the highest quality of all Porto categories.

The 1997 harvest has been declared by most of the leading Porto houses to be a classic Vintage, similar to the great 1992 and 1994 vintage years. It is certainly the final great Vintage of the twentieth century.

The fruit for Quinta do Tedo Vintage 1997 was selected from the oldest of our estate parcels, with 45-year-old vines. The grapes were picked very ripe and slightly dehydrated, further increasing the flavor intensity. This Porto was aged for two years in 1,870 gallon (7,000 liter) French oak casks, then bottled young in 1999 without fining or filtration.

Our Vintage 1997 reveals a rich blend of spice and ripe fruit, with notes of native rock rose and dried fig. Its round, smooth body allows it to be consumed now; yet its strong foundation will stand up to a long time of aging in the bottle.

According to the experts, one can drink this Vintage Porto old or young, but if you drink it young, do so right off the shelf up to a period of 4 to 5 years. Vintage Porto then tends to go through an awkward period from about 7 to 10 years after vintage, when the crust is developing. Decant this wine if consumed when mature, or be sure to aerate it if enjoyed when young, to experience the maximum subtleties of flavor and aroma to be found in Quinta do Tedo Vintage 1997.

Try Quinta do Tedo Vintage 1997 from Portugal's Douro Valley, and discover the very heart of Porto.

Download our French/English flyer for more info.

Awards and Reviews

• From Ronn Wiegand, Master of Wine, of California's Restaurant Wine's tasting notes, February 2000: "A serious Vintage Porto of high quality. It is rich, full bodied, and tannic. Can be aged up to 20 or more years. An excellent 1997."

• Bon Appétit Magazine, U.S.A.: Quinta do Tedo winner of BEST OF NATION PORTUGAL 2000 and 2001.

• Per Wine Spectator's Wine Ratings, February 2000: "A young Port, with raisin, spice and plum character. Medium-bodied, with racy, firm tannins and a fresh fruit finish. Best after 2005. (1558 cases produced)."

• The Wine News: Superb 96-100; "Thick, dense blue-black hue. A beautiful bouquet of rose petal, cooked cherries and molasses. Layers of black fruit flavors imbued with racy acids and grainy tannins. A very expressive Port with wonderful grip and the promise of long life."

Winemaker: Jorge Alves Aging: 2 years in French Oak tanks (7000 ltr) Total Residual Sugar: 96.2 g/ltr Alcohol by Volume: 20.10% Vintage: 1997 Total Acidity: 4.95 g/ltr Production: 17,700 Bottles = 1,475 Cases Available Stock on 04/15/03: 9700 Bottles = 810 Cases