A small area at the heart of the Quinta do Noval vineyard planted with ungrafted vines and untouched by phylloxera. The word Nacional refers to the fact that the vines are Portuguese vines growing in Portuguese soil with no foreign root stock, and are therefore attached to the soil of the Nation. This great wine is a source of pride to the people of Portugal, and at its best the finest expression of the extraordinary terroir of Quinta do Noval. The Nacional is a unique and extraordinary phenomenon. It does not necessarily follow the same rhythm as the rest of the Quinta do Noval. In some years a great Nacional is produced when Noval does not even declare the Quinta do Noval Vintage. In others, Quinta do Noval makes a great Vintage Port, and the Nacional does not perform. Wine Enthusiast: 99/100 Wine Spectator: 99/100 Robert Parker: 100/100