Niepoort Bioma Vinha Velha Vintage 2015 – iconic Vintage Port from old vines

Niepoort Bioma Vinha Velha Vintage 2015 is an uncompromising and deeply terroir-driven vintage port from Douro, made from some of the oldest and most characterful vineyards in the house. We’re talking about vines ranging from 80 to over 100 years old, where the roots go deep and the expression becomes intense, nuanced and authentic.

Bioma is Niepoort’s tribute to the old fields – a port with world-class structure, nerve and ageing potential. The 2015 vintage shows a beautiful balance between power and elegance, where the concentration never tips over, but instead appears refined and precise. This is vintage port for connoisseurs – and for those who want to experience Douro in its most honest and unadulterated form.

The grapes – Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Red Cão, Tinta Francisca, Tinta Amarela, Sousão and Touriga Nacional – were hand harvested in September 2015. They were traditionally steeped in small granite vats (lagares), so fermentation starts gently and naturally. After the addition of grape brandy, the wine rests over winter, then in spring it is moved to a cooler environment and aged in 550 liter barrels – the classic size for vintage port.

While most vintage ports are aged for 2 years, Niepoort chose a more unconventional approach with 3 years of barrel aging before bottling in January 2018. This extra time in barrel allows for greater harmony, rounded structure and an extra dimension of depth, without losing the wine’s energy and freshness.

Tasting notes

• Nose: Intense and complex with dark berries, herbs, slightly spicy minerality and a subtle floral note.
• Palate: Concentrated but balanced – dark fruit, fresh acidity, spicy nuances and a distinctive but elegant tannic structure.
• Structure: Firm and age-worthy with depth from the old vines and nicely integrated alcohol.
• Finish: Long, precise and fresh with persistent fruit and mineral nerve.

History of the house

Niepoort was founded in 1842 by Franciscus Marius Niepoort as an independent family business – and the house has been family owned for over a century and a half. Today, the 5th generation, Eduard Dirk Niepoort and Verona Niepoort, are at the helm of the company, with Eduard Dirk running the house since 2005. The philosophy has always been to let two generations work closely together to maintain the house style and identity.

The position of Master Blender has also been passed down through the generations. Today, it is the 5th generation, José Rodrigo, who since 2006 has been responsible for ensuring the continuity and quality of Niepoort port wines. Historically, Niepoort port wines were shipped to England for bottling – a tradition that testifies to the house’s international importance and long relationship with the British market.

• Producer: Niepoort
• Product: Bioma Vinha Velha Vintage
• Vintage: 2015
• Region: Douro
• Vineyards: Old vineyards (80-100+ year old vines)
• Grapes: Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Red Cão, Tinta Francisca, Tinta Amarela, Sousão, Touriga Nacional
• Harvest: September 2015
• Bottled: January 2018
• Barrel aging: 3 years in 550 liter barrels
• Quantity: 75 cl
• Contains: Sulfites
• Alcohol content: 19.5%