V.P.R/Pinto Vintage2017 – A Premium Portuguese Vintage Port Wine Worth Collecting
V.P.R/Pinto Vintage2017 is an exceptional Vintage Port wine from the historic house of Ramos Pinto, one of the most respected producers in Portugal’s Douro Valley. Crafted from the legendary 2017 harvest—one of the driest and most concentrated in recent memory—this vintage showcases the bold character, finesse, and longevity that define top-tier Portuguese fortified wines.
The 2017 Vintage: A Declaration of Excellence
In 2019, Ramos Pinto officially declared 2017 a Vintage Port year, recognizing the harvest’s superior quality. The season’s extreme dryness resulted in grapes with incredible concentration, low yields, and balanced ripeness. Only 9,000 bottles of V.P.R/Pinto Vintage2017 were produced, making it a limited-edition wine with significant aging potential and collectible value.
Grown on the steep schist terraces of Quinta de Ervamoira, one of the Douro’s most prestigious estates, the grapes include Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and other indigenous varieties, hand-harvested and carefully selected. The result is a powerful, structured Port wine that beautifully represents the terroir and traditional craftsmanship of the Douro.
Heritage & Winemaking: Ramos Pinto's Enduring Legacy
Founded in 1880, Ramos Pinto has long been synonymous with innovation and quality in Portuguese wine. The V.P.R/Pinto Vintage2017 label honors this rich legacy by following traditional Port wine production methods. After a short maceration and fermentation period in granite lagares (troughs), the wine is fortified with grape spirit to arrest fermentation and preserve natural sweetness. It then matures in large oak vats for two years before bottling, with no filtration to maintain authenticity.
Bottled at 20% ABV, this vintage is a true expression of classic fortified wine—dense, aromatic, and built for aging.
Tasting Notes: A Symphony of Depth and Balance
V.P.R/Pinto Vintage2017 immediately impresses with its deep, inky purple hue and expressive aromatic profile. On the nose, it delivers an enticing bouquet of black cherry, blackberry, violet, and eucalyptus, with subtle layers of cinnamon spice, dark chocolate, and vanilla oak.
On the palate, the wine is intense yet refined, showing firm tannins and refreshing acidity that lift its concentrated core of dark fruit. Expect waves of plum, cassis, ginger, and floral notes, balanced by a touch of licorice and herbal earthiness. The finish is long, smooth, and layered—an invitation to savor or cellar.
Aging & Cellaring Potential: Built to Last
As with all great Vintage Ports, V.P.R/Pinto Vintage2017 is designed for the long haul. Its robust tannic structure and concentration of fruit ensure it will evolve beautifully over time. With proper cellaring—stored horizontally in a cool, dark, and humidity-controlled environment—this wine will gain complexity over the next 20 to 30 years or more.
Over time, the primary fruit will give way to nuanced layers of dried fig, tobacco, walnut, and warm spice, creating a deeply aromatic and silky texture. For best results, decant at least 2–3 hours before serving to allow the wine to open up fully.
Food Pairing & Serving Suggestions
Serve slightly chilled to 12°C–14°C in a large tulip glass to enhance its aromatic intensity. V.P.R/Pinto Vintage2017 shines alongside rich, bold, and savory foods that complement its sweetness and tannins:
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Blue Cheese (Stilton, Serra da Estrela): Brings out the wine’s nutty and tangy complexities.
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Dark Chocolate Desserts: Amplify notes of cocoa, dark berry, and spice.
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Roasted Game Meats (Duck, Venison): Match the wine’s depth and structured mouthfeel.
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Nuts and Dried Fruits: Echo the Port’s inherent richness and raisiny flavors.
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Cinnamon Apple Tart or Fig Cake: Ideal for highlighting its spice and fruit-forward character.
Why You Should Own a Bottle of V.P.R/Pinto Vintage2017
Whether you’re a serious wine collector, a lover of fine Port, or seeking a luxurious gift for a special occasion, V.P.R/Pinto Vintage2017 is a must-have addition to any cellar. Its limited availability, combined with critical acclaim and long aging potential, ensures it will only become more desirable over time.
Ideal as a celebratory after-dinner wine, or to mark milestones and anniversaries, this vintage offers a rare opportunity to experience the best of the Douro Valley in one bottle.
