# Niepoort Ruby Port (NV)

- **Producer:** Niepoort Vinhos
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** fortified
- **Grapes:** Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinto Cão, Tinta Francisca, Tinta Amarela, Sousão, Tinta Roriz
- **Region:** Douro, Portugal
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 19.5%
- **Average price:** €12
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now
- **Serving temperature:** 12–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, plum, blackberry, blackcurrant, cedar, prune

## About this wine

Founded in 1842 by Franciscus Marius van der Niepoort, Niepoort remains an independent family-owned Port house led by fifth and sixth-generation family members. Unlike standard commercial Ruby Ports, Dirk Niepoort crafts this wine to highlight brilliant gem-like color, vibrant freshness, and energetic fruit purity rather than extreme density or oxidation. Sourced from over 30-year-old vines in the Cima Corgo sub-region of the Douro Valley, it serves as the classic benchmark entry-level expression for the house.

## Interesting facts

- Niepoort has remained an independent family-owned Port house since its founding in 1842.
- Grapes are still trodden by foot in traditional granite lagares at Vale de Mendiz.
- Aged in large old wooden vats rather than steel to maintain fresh red fruit and mineral freshness.

## Food pairing

High residual sweetness and rich alcohol make Ruby Port a classical match for rich dark chocolate desserts and berry fruit tarts. Additionally, the sweetness and full body create a iconic contrast pairing with salty, strong, or aged cheeses such as Gouda and blue cheese.

## Wine making process

Grapes are hand-harvested in small 25kg crates and brought to Niepoort's Vale de Mendiz winery. Traditional foot-treading takes place in round granite lagares, followed by fermentation using indigenous yeasts. Fermentation is halted approximately halfway through by fortification with neutral grape spirit. The wine is then aged for an average of three years in large, old wooden oak vats (bottes) at Vila Nova de Gaia to minimize oxidation and retain fresh fruit characteristics.