Simply oozing history, Quinta do Noval (‘new estate’) first appeared in land registries in 1715. Port was produced on the steep terraces of the Douro Valley in Portugal much earlier than that, although the area did not receive its official appellation until 1756. Quinta do Noval rose to prominence in the 20th century after the estate was purchased by Antonio Jose de Silva in 1894, salvaging it after the devastating phylloxera blight. During the Great Depression when Vintage Port was scarce Quinta do Noval still shipped to the lucrative British and American markets, and was the first Port House to introduce a Late Bottled Vintage in 1958. Quinta do Noval Vintage Port and Naçional Port is made from the very best wines from its 192 hectare vineyard, and some vintages are the most sought-after in the industry.