Description and Reviews:
The Capela da Quinta do Vesuvio is made in years when truly exceptional wines are produced – the only prior release was in 2007.
The principal grape varieties chosen were again the Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and the Sousão, all of which performed magnificently at Vesuvio in 2011. For the first time ever, Charles Symington included a small parcel of Alicante Bouschet in a Vintage Port. Through ongoing evaluation over the last few years, the Alicante Bouschet has shown itself to be a very impressive variety, contributing structure and colour, due to its intensely coloured berries.
The Touriga Nacional and the Alicante Bouschet were picked and fermented together on one lagar, as were the Sousão and Touriga Franca in early October. These two wines from the two fermentations were blended together to produce a very complex and well-structured wine.
The Capela 2011 has attractive spice and stem aromas from the important Sousão component, hand in hand with delightful floral scents from the well-ripened Touriga Franca. Full and intense in the mouth, with gorgeous fresh blackcurrant fruit, ending with coffee and dark chocolate. The weighty peppery tannins are well integrated and the fresh acidity provides excellent freshness on the long finish.
