Fonseca : 10 Year Old Tawny

Characteristics and tasting notes of the Fonseca 10 Year Old Tawny

Tasting

Appearance
A magnificent russet hue, enhanced by bright purple highlights.

Nose
The bouquet proves particularly fragrant, dominated by intense and indulgent aromas of ripe fruit.

Palate
The texture is both smooth and silky, supported by subtle woody notes. The balance is perfect between refreshing acidity and a firm tannic structure. The finish lingers elegantly on delicate hints of plum.

Food and wine pairings
This cuvée pairs wonderfully with toasted almonds, walnuts, red fruit or dark chocolate desserts, as well as with blue-veined cheeses.

Serving and cellaring
This 10 Year Old Tawny is ready to be enjoyed upon purchase and requires no decanting. It is recommended to store the bottle upright, in a cool place, at a constant temperature and away from light. For an optimal tasting experience, serve it slightly chilled, between 12°C and 16°C. Once opened, it can be enjoyed over an extended period, ideally within 2 to 3 months.

The timeless elegance of a great Port by Fonseca

The estate
Founded in 1815, Fonseca has established itself as an essential reference in the world of fortified wines. Historically led by five generations of the Guimaraens family, this illustrious brand now belongs to The Fladgate Partnership group. Renowned for the consistency of its style, the house relies on iconic estates such as Panascal, Cruzeiro and Santo António. A pioneer in sustainable viticulture, it notably distinguished itself by producing the very first wine made from organic grapes in its region in 2006, thereby confirming its status of excellence.

The vineyard
The grapes used for this great Port come from the prestigious sub-regions of Cima Corgo and Douro Superior. This exceptional terroir is characterised by steep slopes and soils primarily composed of schist. The continental climate is extreme, with very hot summers and low rainfall, which allows the vines to develop deep root systems. These demanding conditions encourage the concentration of aromas and provide an ideal tannic structure for crafting wines of great quality.

Vinification and ageing
The maturation process takes place over a decade in small oak casks with a capacity of approximately 630 litres. This extended ageing promotes contact between the wine and the wood, lending it greater richness and remarkable aromatic complexity. Over time, gentle oxidation transforms its original ruby colour into an amber hue, while making the wine softer, more unctuous and deeply aromatic.

Grape varieties
The blend showcases traditional Portuguese varieties, including Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca and Tinta Amarela.