How the Port wine grapes are rated ?

Posted by C.daSILVA / at Wednesday, August 17, 2011 / /

How the Port wine grapes are rated ?

# Slope gradient - vineyards planted in flat properties do not receive any points, but the vineyards planted in a slope incline with more than 35 degrees will receive a very good rating;
# Stony ground - having a lot of shale in the property is very important, for a gradual moisture; to retain more water during the winter and the contact with it will help to spread a important quantity of minerals for the vines; to maintain a constant micro-climate (during the day the shale is a rock that absorves a lot of heat and during the night will reflect the warmth to the vineyards);
# Age and quality of the vineyards/grapes - At least a Port wine vineyard must have a minimum of 5 years, but for a very good classification it starts in 26 years; also the grapes are now rated by their own characteristics;
# Planting density - Per hectare a huge vineyard plantation is very good to avoid the "vineyard stress", but for Port wine is very good between 4500 vines till 5000 vines, with a quantity in liters 3000ltrs (average) and 5500ltrs (maximum allowed per hectare) this allows less quantity but better quality;
# Protection - Narrow Valley locations and river estuaries are very important because while protecting the vineyards from the strong and cold winds, it can be hotter than the higher places (slopes top);
# Exposition - In the cooler areas it is very important a good southern exposure, of course that for the hotter areas it´s a handicap. Depending on the weather conditions, there is a ability (a great one, nowadays) for a 2nd pruning level (on the leafs and during the spring and summer), because the grapes need to be protected by the direct sun, but at the same time they need to receive enough sunlight and warmth for fotosynthesis and nutrients.

Unloading the Port wine grapes in C. da Silva vinification center

Rating:

A >1200 points

B between 1001 and 1200 points

C between 801 and 1000 points

D between 601 and 800 points

E between 401 and 600 points

F between 201 and 400 points

A and B quality are the one´s used in the Vintage Port, Vintage Port represents in average less than 2% of each Port wine Company´s annual production.

Gonçalo Devesas