RAMOS PINTO VINTAGE PORT 2011
2011 was marked by low rainfall and relatively cool temperatures, with exception to the early summer heat wave. In fact, germination and then the flowering period occurred two weeks earlier than in 2010, giving rise to large growth spurts at the end of April, beginning of May. This advance was maintained throughout the summer, forcing the harvests to start in early August. In all of Ramos Pinto history, this was their earliest harvest ever made. The red wines coming from plantations in Ervamoira (Douro Superior) showed a clear improvement in quality, namely the Touriga Nacional variety, which gives rise to some very elegant wines with a most extraordinary freshness. The majority of the wines from this estate are fresh, concentrated and with plenty of aromas. Generally speaking, the Quinta do Bom Retiro (Cima Corgo) varietals also had an increased quality, particularly with the Touriga Nacional and Sousão; the latter produced more interesting and complex wines than in previous years. As for the older vines, they were picked at higher temperature, resulting in more mature and heavier wines. Misleading with respect to quantities, the harvest of 2011 ultimately provides a broad selection of fresh, fruity, and elegant wines allowing for large possibility of ageing.
