Tawny port wine

Tawny Port, celebrated for its distinct hue, is a testament to the meticulous aging process it undergoes in oak barrels. This aging in the barrel transforms its color from a vivid red to a blend of amber and russet. As time progresses, the wine adopts golden-brown undertones, making it a spectacle when light passes through, showcasing a spectrum from deep gold to a tawny reddish-brown. The depth of its color not only reflects the quality but also gives insights into its age. Paired with the right food, Tawny Port elevates the food pairing experience. When swirled, its viscosity leaves a lingering 'tear' on the glass, hinting at its rich and sweet profile.

Primary Flavors: The primary flavors of Tawny Port often include dried fruits such as raisins, apricots, and figs. These are complemented by nutty notes of almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts.

Secondary and Tertiary Flavors: With age, Tawny Ports develop rich layers of secondary and tertiary flavors. These can include hints of caramel, butterscotch, vanilla, and toasted wood, along with mellow spices like cinnamon and clove.

Sweetness: Tawny Ports are characteristically sweet, but this sweetness is beautifully balanced by their acidity, ensuring that they don't come across as overly cloying.

Texture: These wines have a velvety, almost silky texture, and their extended aging often imparts a notable smoothness.

Finish: Tawny Ports are known for their prolonged and layered finish. As the wine lingers on the palate, one might detect flavors of coffee, chocolate, and even a touch of orange zest.

Complexity: Due to the extended aging process, Tawny Ports exhibit a high degree of complexity. As they age, the wines undergo oxidative maturation, leading to the gradual evaporation of water and alcohol. This results in the concentration of the wine's flavors and aromas, adding to its complexity.

Touriga Nacional: Often considered the finest grape for Port production, it brings deep color, rich tannin, and flavors of black fruits to the wine.

Touriga Franca: This variety contributes elegant red fruit flavors and floral notes. It's more aromatic compared to Touriga Nacional.

Tinta Roriz (known as Tempranillo in Spain): Adds structure and body to the blend, offering flavors of cherries and red fruits.

Tinta Barroca: This grape is early-ripening and brings softness and sweetness to the wine, with flavors of red fruits.

Tinta Cão: A grape variety that is less common than the others but still significant, it adds finesse and aging potential to the blend.

Tinta Amarela (or Trincadeira): It provides spicy notes and bright acidity to the wine.

Sousão: Known for its deep color, Sousão is used to add vibrancy and acidity to the blend.

Mourisco Tinto: This grape variety adds complexity and floral aromas to the wine.

Rufete: It brings freshness and elegance, contributing to the wine's aromatic profile.

Bastardo: Despite its challenging name, Bastardo provides color and fresh fruit flavors to the blend.

Tawny Port is an incredibly versatile wine when it comes to food pairing. Younger Tawnies are delicious with caramel desserts, milk chocolates, and creamy cheeses, while aged Tawnies can stand up to strong, blue-veined cheeses and dark chocolate. Tawny Port is also often enjoyed on its own, savored slowly at the end of a meal.

19-21%

Unlike Vintage Port, Tawny Port is filtered and fined before bottling, which means there's no sediment. You can store it upright without any negative effects. Keeping it upright also minimizes the surface area exposed to air in a partially consumed bottle, slowing down the oxidation process.

The ideal storage temperature for Tawny Port is between 55°F and 68°F (13°C - 20°C). It's essential to avoid drastic temperature fluctuations, which could spoil the wine.

Keep your Tawny Port in a dark place, as light, particularly sunlight, can degrade the wine over time. Also, avoid storing the wine in areas with high vibration, as this can disturb the aging process.

After Opening: Once opened, a 10-year-old Tawny Port will last for several weeks, even up to a couple of months, due to its aging process. It should be stored in the fridge after opening to maintain its quality. Be sure to reseal the bottle tightly after each use.