Fonseca 10 Year Old Tawny Port

Fonseca have made Port since 1815 and age their tawnies up in the Douro rather than down in Gaia. The only tawny I have on the list.

The House Fonseca was founded in 1815, and its Ports have been made by the Guimaraens family ever since. David Guimaraens, head winemaker today, is the sixth generation. The house owns three estates in the Douro: Panascal, Cruzeiro and Santo António.

The Wine Made from red Ports grown in the Cima Corgo and the Douro Superior, then aged in small oak casks, where the wine has more contact with the wood than it would in a large vat. Fonseca matures its aged tawnies up in the Douro rather than in the lodges at Vila Nova de Gaia.

Tasting Note Russet, with bright crimson glints. Ripe fruit, fruit cake, a little nuttiness and spice on the nose, then a smooth, silky palate with fresh acidity, a touch of grip and a long, plummy finish.

Serving Ready to drink, with no need to decant. Serve slightly chilled, between 12 and 16°C. Once opened it keeps its freshness for two to three months.

Pairing Almonds, berry fruit and dark chocolate, or a rich blue cheese with walnuts.