Quinta do Noval
Why we are a fan
The Location
- Ranked #36 Worlds best vineyards
Quinta do Noval is located in the heart of the Douro Valley and stands out as one of the most exceptional and distinctive Port houses in the world. It is the only producer in the region with 192 hectares of vineyards entirely classified as “A” — the highest possible rating for Douro terroir. Planted with the noblest grape varieties, the estate spans altitudes from 100 to 500 meters, featuring diverse exposures and predominantly schist-based soils. This rare combination of privileged location, top-tier classification, and singular identity results in wines of remarkable depth, elegance, and complexity — unmistakably Noval. To preserve freshness and vibrant acidity, the white grape varieties are planted in the highest vineyards, where cooler temperatures enhance their bright and crisp character. This careful site selection ensures that both their Ports and still wines express the full range of the estate’s unique terroir with outstanding balance and finesse.
The History
- One of the oldest Port houses
First recorded in 1715—the same year Louis XIV died—Quinta do Noval is one of the oldest and most iconic wine estates in the Douro Valley. Once owned by the Marquis of Pombal, Portugal’s prime minister and architect of the Douro’s official demarcation in 1756, Noval has always stood for excellence. António José da Silva acquired the estate in 1894 after phylloxera devastation, restoring it with replantings. His son-in-law, Luiz Vasconcelos Porto, modernized the vineyards with broader terraces and better sun exposure. Noval’s international reputation was cemented by the legendary 1931 Vintage and Nacional Ports—still among the most sought-after wines in the world. Since 1993, the estate has been part of AXA Millésimes and was the first major Port house to centralize all its operations in the Douro. Noval was among the first to bottle and age their Ports at the estate, rather than in Vila Nova de Gaia, setting a new standard for quality control. Often compared to a Bordeaux Grand Cru Classé, Quinta do Noval produces wines that embody heritage, terroir, and vision.
The Winemaking
- Unique style of Port
Defined by elegance and precision, Quinta do Noval’s winemaking philosophy sets it apart from other Port houses. Rather than emphasize richness and weight, Noval crafts Vintage Ports known for their freshness, refined structure, and purity of fruit—hallmarks of a drier, more vibrant style. Residual sugar levels are often slightly lower than those of other top producers, resulting in balanced, expressive wines with superb aging potential. All wines are produced from estate-grown fruit, entirely from their A-rated vineyards in the heart of the Douro. Traditional foot-treading in stone lagares is still used for Port, preserving the finesse of the must while gently extracting tannins.
Leading this commitment to quality is Usenda Matos, Noval’s Port Oenologist since 1995, who oversees all fortified wine production with meticulous care. Adalberto Ferreira, in charge of unfortified Douro wines, brings the same precision to reds and whites that reflect the estate’s unique terroir.
This dedication has earned Quinta do Noval critical acclaim: its Ports consistently receive some of the highest ratings in the Douro Valley, often surpassing comparable offerings from other renowned producers.
Together, the team ensures Noval wines continue to embody the house’s signature style: terroir-driven, timeless, and unmistakably Noval.
The Nacional Port
- World's most sought after Ports
Quinta do Noval’s Nacional Port is one of the world’s rarest and most iconic wines, crafted exclusively from pre-phylloxera vines in a unique, ungrafted vineyard planted over a century ago. These ancient vines have survived phylloxera, representing an irreplaceable genetic heritage unique to Quinta do Noval. Produced only in the very best vintages and in extremely limited quantities, Nacional Port is renowned for its extraordinary depth, complexity, and aging potential. The legendary 1931 and 1963 vintages are among the most expensive and sought-after Ports ever released. Over the years, Nacional has earned numerous perfect 100-point scores from top critics such as Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate and Wine Spectator, underscoring its status as the pinnacle of Port winemaking. Robert Parker himself has praised Nacional Port as "one of the greatest and most singular wines in the world," highlighting its unparalleled concentration and finesse. This rare treasure perfectly exemplifies Quinta do Noval’s dedication to tradition, terroir expression, and uncompromising quality (sources: Wine Advocate, Wine Spectator, Decanter).
The legendary 1963 Noval Nacional bottles shown in the photo (photo made by us) here alongside were once part of our collection, but have since been sold. A cherished memory of exceptional wines and history.
