2000 Ramos Pinto Vintage Port

Ramos Pinto continue to be, and have been, pioneers and innovators in the world of Port.

Positioned on the more favourable sites in the Alto Corgo and the Douro Superior, Ramos Pinto hold 187 hectares of land under vine. This allows a wider selection for the winemaker, ensuring greater consistency of style and quality in every wine produced. Family owned since 1880, the current custodians of these hallowed vines continue to revolutionize viticultural and vinicultural practices. João Nicolau de Almeida, Oenolist and Export Director, has been responsible for officially identifying the 5 main grape varieties used for the production of Vintage Port, from the largest concentration of indigenous grapes in the world: approximately 70 in the Douro alone and well over 200 throughout Portugal. João also introduced new vineyard management techniques such as Vertical Shoot Positioning as well as identifying which soils suit which vines.

The Vintage 2000 is made in the traditional method, with all grapes crushed by foot in large stone troughs called Lagares. The human foot is said to be the perfect tool for extracting juice from a grape. It applies just enough pressure to gently release the juice without extracting any harsh bitter flavours from the pips, skins or stalks. Sometimes the old ways are the best!

Ramos Pinto mature their Vintage Port in an array of media for 20 months prior to bottling. Large old oak, chesnut and, even, mahogany casks are used imparting a myriad of flavours and aromas. Comprising 60% Touriga Nacional, 15% Tinta Roriz, 10% Tinta Barroca and the final 15% is a ‘field blend’ of some of the other 70 native varieties.

The 2000 is incredibly rounded and approachable with smooth and elegant features. Typical liquorice, anise, clove, nutmeg and vanilla blend with chocolate and blackcurrant. This is a full but expressive port that is well structured and has a poised concentration. Finishing very long and velvety. Bliss.