Messias – Prime’s LBV 2017 Port

Introduction

Messias Prime’s LBV 2017 represents a pinnacle of Portuguese winemaking tradition, crafted by one of the Douro Valley’s most respected producers with over a century of expertise in creating exceptional port wines.

Production Method

• Raw materials: Carefully selected indigenous Portuguese grape varieties (likely Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, and Tinta Barroca) grown on the steep, terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley
• Distillation process: Traditional foot-treading in granite lagares followed by fermentation halted by the addition of grape spirit, preserving natural sweetness
• Maturation: Aged 4-6 years in large oak casks before bottling, longer than standard Ruby Ports but bottled earlier than Vintage Ports
• Special techniques: As an LBV (Late Bottled Vintage), this port undergoes extended barrel aging, developing complexity while maintaining the character of its exceptional 2017 vintage

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Intense aromas of ripe blackberries, black cherries, and plums with subtle notes of chocolate, spice, and hints of violet
• Palate: Full-bodied and velvety with concentrated flavors of dark forest fruits, cocoa, fig, and baking spices, underscored by balanced sweetness and fine tannins
• Finish: Long and warming with lingering notes of dried fruits, dark chocolate, and a touch of peppery spice

Recommended Serving

• Serving temperature: 16-18°C (60-64°F)
• Glass recommendation: Traditional port glass or small wine glass to concentrate aromas
• Serving ideas: Decant for 1-2 hours before serving; can be enjoyed immediately after opening or cellared for 10+ years
• Food pairings: Blue cheeses (Stilton, Roquefort), dark chocolate desserts, dried fruits and nuts, or traditional Portuguese pastries like Pastel de Nata

Product Specifications

• Alcohol content: 20% ABV
• Bottle size: 75cl
• Country/Region of origin: Douro Valley, Portugal
• Certifications/Awards: Produced under the strict regulations of the Douro and Port Wine Institute (IVDP)

Summary

A Unique Tasting Experience

Messias Prime’s LBV 2017 represents an exceptional example of Portugal’s most famous fortified wine, crafted during a vintage year celebrated for producing ports of remarkable quality and structure.

With limited production from this celebrated vintage, this LBV offers a rare opportunity to experience the distinctive character of a premium port without the decades-long wait required for Vintage Ports.

Backed by Messias’s century-old expertise and rigorous adherence to traditional methods, this port stands as an authoritative expression of what makes the Douro Valley a world-renowned wine region.

Recognition from Connoisseurs

Port enthusiasts and wine critics consistently recognize the 2017 vintage as one of exceptional quality, with many considering it among the finest years for Portuguese port production in recent decades.

Collectors and connoisseurs who have committed to exploring the finest LBV ports invariably include Messias among their preferred producers, acknowledging the house’s dedication to quality and tradition.

The wine’s exceptional balance of fruit intensity, structural tannins, and aging potential exemplifies why 2017 LBVs have garnered such acclaim in international wine circles.

From Douro Valley to You

Each bottle of Messias Prime’s LBV 2017 represents not just a fine wine, but also the generous spirit of Portuguese hospitality and the culmination of generations of winemaking knowledge shared through time.

The approachable yet complex character of this port reflects the warm, welcoming nature of Portuguese wine culture – sophisticated without pretension, and crafted to bring people together in appreciation of life’s finer moments.

By choosing this exceptional port, you join a community of discerning wine lovers who value authentic expressions of terroir and tradition – discover why Messias has remained a favorite among port aficionados for over a century.