Niepoort Lomba

Dao, Portugal


https://www.niepoort-vinhos.com/en/
At a Glance
  • 200-year-old quinta named Lomba
  • The vineyards are certified in bioD from 2018
  • natural fermentations in very old, tall, cubical-shaped granite lagares

Dirk Niepoort and Sergio Silva were always amazed by the old wines of Dao. In 2014, they were able to purchase a 200-year-old quinta named Lomba very close to the Serra da Estrela mountains in prime granite soils with old vines. With this purchase, they began the transition of the vineyards to biodynamics, completing certification for 2018.

To manage the estate, they retained Antonio Mendes, who represents the 3rd generation of Mendes to work at Lomba, bringing with him all that knowledge and history.

For white varieties, they grow Bical, Encruzado, and Malvasia. For the reds, they have Baga, Jaen (Mencia), Tinta Pinheira, and Alfrocheiro. They make two main wines from the estate's vineyards - Conciso white and red. These wines are fermented naturally in cubical and tall granite lagares. The wines then age in tonel for 20-22 months. They also produce the entry-level line called Rotulo, which comprises a white, red blend, and a Touriga Nacional. The Rotulo line of wines includes some purchased fruit from neighbors and is made in a low alcohol, fresh, and unmarked by wood method of winemaking.

The granite soils lend a great deal of energy and lift to the wines, while the old vines and continental climate allow for concentration and bursting aromatics.