1997 ANNO

Cockburn’s 1997 Anno is sourced from our Cockburn’s estate vineyards, in Cima Corgo, a sub region of Douro Superior, as well as selected “A/B” grade private growers. 1996 was an excellent year, with sufficient early spring rain, a mild flowering season with plenty of sunlight and a warm summer followed by a cool harvest time. This wine is a blend of the five best port grapes grown in the Douro River Valley: Touriga Nacional (35%), Tinta Barroca (30%), Tinta Roriz (15%), Touriga Francesa (15%) and Tinto Cao (5%). Vinification occurred at our Tua, Foz Côa and Canais wineries. After intense maceration of the fermenting must, the wine was fortified and aged 5 years in 10-year-old, 160-gallon barrels. Longer cask aging allows time for sediments to precipitate from the wine. This, combined with a light filtering before bottling, allows 1997 Anno LBV to be enjoyed without the need for decanting.

WINEMAKER NOTES

The 1997 Anno shows good intensity and dark red depth of color. It has a clean, intense nose, overlaid with plum and red fruit aromas. This wine is big on the palate, with well-balanced acidity and tannins, and a long finish. It exhibits balanced fresh fruit and gripping tannin; the final impression is intense and supple. Pair it wonderfully with blue cheeses like Stilton or Roquefort or strong Portuguese cheeses such as St. Jorge (Azores) or Serpa (Alentejo). As an aperitif, enjoy with marcona almonds that are roasted with salt and olive oil, hazelnuts or chestnuts. Consider it with a good p’té or jamón Ibérico (smoked ham) and for dessert with a chocolates tart or cake.

Wine Statistics:

35% Touriga Nacional, 30% Tinta Barroca, 15% Tinta Roriz, 15% Touriga Francesa and 5% Tinto Cao
FERMENTATION: 50% stainless; 50% granite lagares