Krohn’s 2016 Vintage Port is a deep ruby black with a narrow purple rim. Bursting with aromas of pure red fruit, and notes of cranberry, raspberry, cherry, plum, and apricot, it is also enhanced with spicy aromas of black pepper, nutmeg, mocha, cedar wood, and balsamic herbs. Rich tannins provide body and firmness, while dense black woodland fruits abound in the long-lasting finish. Perfect for after dinner, pair it with Stilton or Gorgonzola for a delightful experience.

About the Producer

Wiese & Krohn was founded in 1865 by two Norwegians – Theodor Wiese and Dankert Krohn – shipping initially to Scandinavia and Germany. In the century and a half since its foundation, Krohn has built up an outstanding reputation. Long renowned for the quality of their sublime Colheitas (single vintage tawnies), they produce a remarkably complete range for a small house, and each wine excels in its category. Much of the secret lies in the high quality of their vineyards – the magical combination of terroir, locality, aspect, incline and low-yielding vines. Their Quinta do Retiro Novo estate in Sarzedinho, in the Rio Torto valley (where vinification takes place), is all A grade vineyard. Indeed Krohn only work with grapes from A-graded vineyards across all of their ports, and their top wines are still trodden by foot. Since 2013 Krohn has been part of the Fladgate Partnership – alongside Taylor’s, Fonseca and Croft.

Vineyard and Winery

2016 in the Douro Valley began with a very wet spring. This rainfall was welcome after the very dry conditions of 2015, but the cool and wet spring conditions led to late start of the ripening season. Summer was particularly hot and dry, continuing into late September. In spite of the heat, due to the abundant ground water reserves and the late cycle, maturation was slow and even. A spell of rain in mid-September helped accelerate and complete the ripening process, and the weather at harvest-time was ideal. Low night-time temperatures helped to extend fermentation times and allow for gradual and gentle extraction, which contributed to the great quality of the tannins and the elegance of the 2016 wines. Produced from a selection of traditional grape varieties, fermentation took place in open granite tanks (lagares), where it was interrupted by the addition of grape spirit to preserve a degree of natural sweetness. The Port was aged in traditional ‘pipes’ and larger casks.

The keynotes of 2016 are purity and refinement. The Vintage Port displays elegance and poise, a wonderful purity of fruit and tannins of great quality The 2016s are likely to become rarities in future, particularly given the trend towards enjoying Vintage Ports young. Adrian Bridge, Krohn MD