Quinta Do Vesuvio 1992 Vintage Port

Quinta Do Vesuvio 1992 Vintage Port was released on the back of the 1991 vintage which was the first generally declared vintage for 6 years. Many Port Houses had released the 1991 and did not release the 1992, but there are some superb Single Quinta Ports. 1992 was a good vintage with some rich and concentrated wines, the best of which are excellent and will age superbly. Just 2000 cases (33 pipes) of this vintage were produced.

Quinta Do Vesuvio is the flagship Single Quinta of Symington Family Estates (owners of Dows, Warres, Grahams et al.) The estate can trace its origins back to 1565. 1823 Quinta do Vesuvio was purchased by the well-known Port grower António Bernard Ferreira who massively renovated and improved the estate. It passed through family hands until it was acquired by the Symington family in 1989 who immediately set about restoring and renovating the estate to modern standards. The main house and winery were restored and a large planting and re-planting of the existing vineyard was undertaken taking the vineyard area to 136 hectares. All grapes are trodden by foot and only Vintage Port is made at Quinta de Vesuvio. Between the extraordinary variety of microclimates and the range of grape varieties grown on the estate, the Quinta is capable of making a great Vintage Port in all but the most challenging years.  The entire property is A-rated, the highest possible quality designation.

Quinta do Vesuvio is located in the Douro Superior, a region known for its distinctly continental climate, characterized by scorching summers, frigid winters, and the lowest annual rainfall in the Douro Valley—averaging just 470 mm per year at Vesuvio. The estate’s expansive size and rugged mountainous terrain allow for vineyards with exposure to all cardinal directions. However, the predominant orientations are northwest and west, covering over half of the planted area. Despite the hot, dry conditions typical of the region, many of the vineyards benefit from advantageous aspects that provide natural protection from the intense summer heat. Additionally, the estate’s broad altitude range, spanning from 100 to nearly 500 meters above sea level, plays a crucial role in preserving acidity, which is particularly vital during exceptionally hot years. This combination of factors creates an environment that balances the challenging climate while enhancing the quality of the grapes.

Quinta do Vesuvio produces muscular yet lithe wines with an exceptionally refined structure that reflects great harmony and elegance. The Ports are simultaneously big and unctuous with succulent fruit, while wonderfully graceful at the same time. The wines have superb inky black-red colours when young, and the nose is always intense, with strong notes of violets and wild spring flowers.

Quinta Do Vesuvio 1992 Vintage Port will require decanting.