2024 Port Wine vintage declared a classic, with 'The Stone Terraces' hailed as prodigious

The Port wine industry is buzzing with excitement over the 2024 vintage, with many producers declaring it a 'classic.' This rare designation, which signifies widespread adoption of the vintage by major houses, has not been seen since the celebrated 2017 vintage. The Symington Family Estates, a prominent name in Port production, has led the charge, declaring not only their single-quinta wines like Vesúvio and Roriz but also their flagship brands such as Dow's, Graham's, and a particularly impressive Cockburn's.

“

foi um ano à moda antiga

The exceptional quality of the 2024 vintage is attributed to a near-perfect growing season. Charles Symington, the winemaker, described it as an 'old-fashioned year,' characterized by generous winter rainfall, timely budding and flowering, minimal mildew, moderate August temperatures, and crucially, a lack of extreme heat and rain during the critical September ripening period. This balanced climate allowed for slow, steady fruit maturation, resulting in wines of remarkable elegance and purity, reminiscent of the outstanding 2011 vintage.

“

Os vinhos são muito elegantes e revelam a pureza da fruta

While the entire portfolio presented by Symington is described as magnificent, two wines stand out: 'The Stone Terraces' and 'Capela do Vesúvio.' 'The Stone Terraces,' a limited production wine from a small old-vine plot, is praised for its subtle complexity and profound intensity on the palate. It's described as vibrant, dense, and joyful, offering a layered experience that culminates in an 'apotheosis.' This wine is seen as a monument to the Douro region and the excellence of Portuguese wine. The declaration of a classic vintage is a moment of pride for Portugal's renowned wine sector, showcasing its ability to produce world-class wines that capture the essence of the terroir.

“

Mas no catálogo há dois vinhos que merecem um lugar especial na posteridade: o The Stone Terraces, uma pequena vinha velha na quinta dos Malvedos, e o Capela do Vesúvio.