Fonseca : 20 Year Old Tawny

Tasting notes and characteristics of the Fonseca 20 Year Old Tawny

Tasting

Colour
This Port reveals a deep amber hue, enhanced by delicate russet highlights.

Nose
The aromatic bouquet displays great complexity, weaving together aromas of ripe plum and evolved fruits with warm notes of cinnamon and butter caramel, all underscored by subtle woody touches.

Palate
On the palate, this wine proves opulent, unctuous and remarkably velvety. It unfolds savoury notes of spices and nuts that extend into an elegant finish.

Food and wine pairings
This Port pairs beautifully with caramel-based desserts, such as crème brûlée, as well as with pastries featuring dried fruits, almonds or walnuts. It also creates a remarkable match with fresh figs or a plate of wild strawberries.

Serving and cellaring
Ready to drink, the 20 Year Old Tawny requires no decanting. It is recommended to serve it slightly chilled, at a temperature between 12 and 16 °C. Once opened, the bottle can be kept for 2 to 3 months if stored upright in a cool place, at a constant temperature and away from light.

The excellence of a great Port from the Douro Valley

The estate
Founded in 1815, Fonseca has established itself as a leading reference among Port wines. Now owned by The Fladgate Partnership group, the estate carries on its legacy under the technical direction of David Guimaraens. A pioneer of sustainable viticulture since 2006 in the Duriense region, the House is renowned worldwide for the stylistic consistency of its cuvées and its expertise in long cask ageing.

The vineyard
The grapes destined for this Port come from the finest terroirs of the Cima Corgo and Douro Superior sub-regions, including emblematic estates such as Panascal, Cruzeiro and Santo António. This spectacular vineyard is characterised by steep terraces and poor soils dominated by schist. This well-drained terroir, combined with a continental climate marked by very hot and dry summers, fosters optimal ripening and great concentration in the berries.

Winemaking and aging
The extraction of aromas and tannins is carried out gently thanks to innovative mechanical treading systems that mimic the movement of the human foot. The 20 Year Old Tawny then benefits from extended aging in small oak casks of around 630 litres. Distinctively, this oxidative aging takes place directly in the Douro Valley, where the higher temperatures accelerate the evolution of the wine, lending it its amber colour and its very characteristic complexity.

Grape varieties
This cuvée is crafted from a mosaic of native grape varieties including Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, Tinto Cão and Tinta Amarela. This Port is the result of a meticulous blend of lots selected for their great cellaring potential. These different cuvées, drawn from multiple harvest years, are married by the master blender to achieve a consistent aromatic profile and an average age of twenty years.