Kopke LBV 2015 | Porto

Wine Identification
Kopke L.B.V. (Late Bottled Vintage) is a fortified wine produced by Kopke, one of Portugal’s oldest port houses, founded in 1638. The specific vintage for this expression is 2015, classified under the Porto appellation in Portugal.

Origin and Winemaking
The grapes are sourced from vineyards located at altitudes up to 600 meters on greywacke soils, with granite present in certain parcels. The variety blend includes Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz (also listed as Tempranillo), and Sousão. Harvesting is conducted manually during the optimal moment to ensure quality.

Vinification involves destemming and crushing, followed by maceration in lagares at controlled temperatures between 28-30°C. Constant punching down occurs throughout fermentation until the desired sweetness level (baumé) is reached. At this stage, grape spirit is added to stop fermentation, resulting in a fortified wine. As an LBV, this port is made from grapes of a single vintage and is bottled between 4 and 6 years after the harvest.

Expected Profile
This Late Bottled Vintage presents the characteristics of a Port that has spent several years maturing in wood before bottling. The blend of traditional Douro varieties contributes to a complex aromatic profile, likely reflecting the character of the greywacke soils and the structure provided by Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz. The winemaking process ensures a balance between the residual sugar from the stopped fermentation and the alcohol strength from the added spirit.

Overall Character
Kopke L.B.V. 2015 represents a classic approach to Late Bottled Vintage Port, emphasizing traditional winemaking methods and heritage. Bottled four to six years after the harvest, it offers a more accessible and mature style compared to Vintage Ports, while retaining the intensity derived from high-altitude vineyards and hand-selected grapes. It stands as a testament to Kopke’s long history in the Douro region.