{"product_id":"quinta-agua-alta-lbv-2018","title":"Quinta Agua Alta - LBV 2018","description":"\u003cp\u003eQuinta Água Alta LBV 2018 is a Late Bottled Vintage Port that brings the steep schistous slopes of the Douro straight into the glass. Crafted from classic Port varieties and bottled by the quinta itself, it offers an authentic, estate-driven expression of a single, high-quality year. This wine stands out for its balance of generous, dark fruit richness and freshness, wrapped in a structure that is ready to enjoy now yet capable of further development. The estate’s roots trace back at least to 1838, but only recently has the family begun bottling under their own name, allowing their distinctive style and terroir to fully shine.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the glass, Quinta Água Alta LBV 2018 shows an opaque, inky ruby core with a deep purple rim, signaling both concentration and youth. The nose is intense and finely detailed: ripe blackberries, dark cherries, and plum compote are layered with violets, cacao nibs, licorice, and a touch of crushed rock and spice, reflecting its Douro origin.\n\nOn the palate, this LBV is full-bodied, velvety, and generous, yet never heavy. Dense black fruit, damson, and cassis are supported by fresh acidity and firm but polished tannins. Notes of dark chocolate, dried figs, sweet baking spices, and a hint of espresso emerge on the long, warming finish. While delicious now after a brief aeration, the wine has the stuffing to age gracefully for another 8–12 years in good conditions, gaining complexity and a more savoury, nutty character over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSourced from the steep, high-lying terraces that give Água Alta its name, this LBV is born from classic Douro schist soils that naturally limit yields and intensify flavour. The altitude tempers the valley heat, preserving acidity and aromatic lift in the Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca, and Touriga Nacional grapes. Harvest is typically carried out by hand on the narrow, terraced vineyards, where machines cannot operate and careful selection is essential. After picking, the grapes are traditionally fermented in small lagares or vats, with gentle extraction to capture colour, structure, and aromatics before the addition of grape spirit to halt fermentation and retain natural sweetness. The young Port is then aged in large seasoned barrels and\/or vats for several years, allowing it to clarify and harmonise, before being bottled as a Late Bottled Vintage from a single harvest.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood \u0026amp; Serving\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eQuinta Água Alta LBV 2018 is a natural match for intense, flavourful desserts and rich cheeses. Pair it with dark chocolate fondant, flourless chocolate cake, or a platter of blue cheeses such as Stilton or Roquefort, as well as aged hard cheeses and nut-based desserts like almond tart or walnut cake. Serve slightly cool, at around 14–16°C, to keep the sweetness in balance and highlight the freshness. While it can be poured straight from the bottle, a light decant for 30–60 minutes is recommended, both to open up the aromatics and to catch any natural sediment that may form in bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eQuinta da Água Alta can be traced back at least to 1838, anchored high on the dramatic, steep slopes of the Douro where roads narrow and vineyard work is still largely done by hand. For generations, the Borges family supplied grapes and wine to some of the great Port houses, quietly contributing to the reputation of the region. In recent years, the younger generation—sisters Louisa and Maria Borges—has transformed the estate by bottling under their own label. Maria oversees administration and marketing, while Louisa, trained at leading Port houses, crafts the wines. Their decision to champion estate-bottled Ports and Douro wines has quickly earned them accolades and recognition, positioning Quinta da Água Alta as an exciting, quality-driven name in the Douro’s new wave of independent producers.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Quinta Da Agua Alta","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54256292692305,"sku":"PORT74","price":35.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/0614\/9969\/files\/Portvin-portugal-douro-quinta-agua-alta-lbv-2018-75cl-vinogvelsmag.png?v=1783463269","url":"https:\/\/bottlehero.com\/products\/quinta-agua-alta-lbv-2018","provider":"Bottle Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}