Origin
The two Pinhão valley estates of Quinta do Cruzeiro and Quinta de Santo António have supplied Fonseca for over a hundred years, and more recently Quinta do Panascal in Távora Valley. Grapes sourced from each Quinta add their own important elements to the Fonseca port blend, owing to the unique terrior of individual estates: Cruzeiro provides the dense core of black fruit and tannin; Panascal the succulent jammy flavours and velvety texture; and exotic aromas from Santo António. Other top sites are also sourced in the Duoro Valley area.
Grape Variety
Made from a blend of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Cão and Tinta Amarela grapes (quite a mouthful!).
A blend of wines from their top sites is aged for 5 years in oak casks (called “Pipes” in the port trade). Bottled unfiltered so that the port does not lose richness and concentration, preserving the deep colour and natural fullness of body and flavour.
Alcohol Percentage
20%
Cellar Potential
Perfectly mature and ready for drinking, it is recommended that you decant the wine as there might be small amount of natural sediment in the bottom of the bottle.
Producer
Fonseca is one of the most iconic Port Houses. Founded in 1822 by the Guimaraens family, they set about acquiring some of the finest top grade vineyards. This remarkable house remained solely in their hands until, in 1948, they went into partnership with the Taylor's port house - with the Guimaraens remaining firmly in charge of all operations. Such was their consistency that in the course of the whole of the 20th century all Fonseca ports were made by just four members of the family.
Food Match
Just made to go with cheese - especially blues such as Stilton or Roquefort. Or just enjoy on its own after a meal.
In the press
Gold- Decanter World Wine Awards 2014
Bronze- Decanter World Wine Awards 2015
Decanter Magazine: 93 points
Wine Spectator: 93 points