A Deep Dive into Innovation: Van Zellers & Co's Ocean-Aged Vintage Port
10 meters deep in the ocean
something wonderful is maturing
In a riveting move, the esteemed Van Zellers & Co have declared an adventurous leap forward in the Port Wine industry. Their latest revelation? The 2020 Vintage Port - but with a twist: this vintage has been aged in the ocean, in collaboration with the innovative Zouri Shoes brand.
Portugal, with a marine territory that stretches to a vast expanse, 40 times greater than its landmass, is overwhelmingly composed of water. In fact, an astonishing 97% of Portugal is water. But with such a significant marine territory comes a formidable challenge. Each year, approximately 14 million tons of plastic waste infiltrates our oceans from coastal nations, heightening sea pollution levels. This alarming figure underscores the need for environmental innovation and responsibility.
Rising to this challenge, on the 7th of December 2022, Francisca Van Zeller embarked on a momentous dive, submerging 102 bottles of the Van Zellers & Co Vintage Porto 2020. But, what makes this venture even more remarkable is their collaboration with Zouri Shoes—an eco-vegan footwear brand known for transforming plastic waste from the Portuguese coast into stylish and sustainable shoes.
Using recycled materials and natural
rubber to form the unique shape of a shell.
Sustainability is an important factor for Van Zeller
Taking inspiration from this partnership, a one-of-a-kind bottle casing has been introduced. Crafted from recycled materials and natural rubber, this casing bears the unique semblance of a shell. Nestled 10 metres deep, these bottles find an ambient home with a consistent temperature of approximately 13ºC and minimal light. Such conditions are ideal for a gentle ageing process that enhances the wine's character.
The result? An enhanced 2020 Vintage Port. Its flavors have matured to resonate more intensely with the notes of red fruit, chocolate, and dark spices. The once robust tannins have softened, and the overall sensation is reminiscent of sumptuous red fruit velvet, intertwined with the subtle nuances typical of an older vintage port. It's evident that with wine, just as in life, time and balance are crucial in bringing out the best qualities.
For those eager to get their hands on this exclusive vintage, the wine was only available on 8th of July 2023 and was grossed at around 1000USD. This was when this exquisite wine was up for grabs through Wine Chain. Yet, the bottles will continue their underwater aging until the 16th of November 2023.
