Wines Port Kopke - Colheita - 1966

Kopke Colheita 1966 is a distinguished port, hailing from one of the oldest port houses in Portugal, with a heritage reaching back to the 17th century. This particular bottle, classified as a Colheita, is a single-vintage tawny port, aged in oak casks for several decades to develop complexity and depth. The grapes drawn for Colheita ports often reflect a blend of traditional Douro varieties such as Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz or Tinto Cão, though precise proportions usually remain a house secret and can vary by year. The 1966 vintage, bottled relatively recently compared to its age, promises a harmonious marriage of dried fruit, roasted nuts, toffee, orange peel, and spice, underpinned by the oxidative richness imparted by long cask maturation.

The Douro Valley, home to port wine, is one of Europe’s most dramatic vineyard landscapes: steep schistous slopes cradle the Douro River, providing both ample sun exposure and crucial drainage. The region’s hot, dry summers and cold winters help guarantee grapes with high concentration and natural acidity, essential for balanced, long-lived fortified wines. The Douro’s history intertwines with port over centuries, building a legacy of fortified winemaking renowned around the world.

When it comes to food pairings, a tawny port of such age and refinement truly shines with strong, pungent cheeses—think Stilton or aged Portuguese Queijo da Serra. It can also elevate desserts featuring nutty, caramelised, or dried fruit elements, such as tarte tatin, pecan pie, or a traditional Portuguese almond cake. For a simple and classic accompaniment, serve it alongside roasted nuts or even dark chocolate with orange zest.

To best appreciate Kopke Colheita 1966, open the bottle slightly in advance and serve it lightly chilled, at around 14-16°C. Pour carefully, as natural sediment may have formed during extended cask ageing. This is a contemplative wine, best enjoyed in good company and sipped slowly to savour every nuance.