Tawny Port – Douro, Portugal

Tawny Port, Fonseca Porto

Information: Every January after the harvest, Fonseca lays down a selection of special Vintage Port qualities to mature in small wooden casks. They come mainly from the house's own quintas and are chosen for their ageing potential. A Tawny Port matures for several years in small casks before bottling, and there the pale tawny develops the nutty aromas typical of the style, encouraged by slow oxidation. Fonseca ages its tawnies in the Douro itself rather than in Vila Nova de Gaia. The differences in temperature and humidity between the two areas give Fonseca's aged tawnies their pronounced aroma, strongly reminiscent of butterscotch. Fonseca's aged tawnies are bottled ready to drink.

Tasting The tawny-red colour fades towards the rim of the glass. The seductive nose shows aromas of apricot and plum with soft undertones of butterscotch and spice. On the palate the jammy flavours are lifted on the finish by an attractive, refreshing acidity.

Serving suggestions: Fonseca Tawny makes a delicious dessert wine and goes well with almonds, berries and chocolate. It can also be enjoyed with intense blue cheeses. It is the perfect close to a meal – the crowning moment of an enjoyable evening – served on its own or with walnuts or roasted almonds. In warm weather it is best enjoyed lightly chilled.

From the legendary 1840, Fonseca's first Vintage Port release, to the outstanding declared vintages of the past decade, the house has produced a series of highly acclaimed wines, even in the most difficult moments of history. James Suckling put it this way in his definitive book on Vintage Port: "Fonseca's old ports are perhaps the most consistent of all. Not only do they have striking fleshiness and powerful richness when young, they keep that youthfulness for decades." This consistency comes not only from the continuity of the family's influence and the knowledge and skill handed down from generation to generation, but also from a close bond with the vineyard. The three quintas – Cruzeiro, Panascal and Santo António – are the heart of the unmistakable character of Fonseca's Vintage Ports. Fonseca's respect for the vineyard and the unique environment of the Douro Valley shows in the company's leadership in sustainable and organic viticulture: it was the first house to offer a port made entirely from organically grown grapes. For many wine lovers around the world, however, Fonseca is best known as the producer of Bin No. 27. This fine Reserve Port, launched four decades ago, is one of the most popular and successful port blends; it shares the heritage of Fonseca's great Vintage Ports and shows the opulent, fruity character that defines the Fonseca style. Perhaps more than any other port house, Fonseca has built a loyal community of port lovers who value the individuality and inimitable character of its wines – connoisseurs, collectors, sommeliers and restaurateurs as well as those who simply enjoy gloriously rich and complex ports.