Fonseca : 10 Year Old Tawny

Tasting notes and characteristics of the Fonseca 10 Year Old Tawny

Tasting

Appearance
A magnificent russet hue, enhanced by brilliant crimson highlights.

Nose
The bouquet is 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 backbone. The finish lingers elegantly on delicate hints of plum.

Food and wine pairings
This cuvée pairs wonderfully with roasted almonds, walnuts, desserts featuring red fruits or dark chocolate, 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 optimal tasting, 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 a leading reference in the world of fortified wines. Historically led by five generations of the Guimaraens family, this illustrious brand is now part of The Fladgate Partnership group. Renowned for the consistency of its style, the house relies on emblematic estates such as Panascal, Cruzeiro and Santo António. A pioneer in sustainable viticulture, it notably distinguished itself by producing the very first wine from organic grapes in its region in 2006, thereby confirming its status of excellence.

The vineyard
The grapes for this great Vintage Port come from the prestigious sub-regions of Cima Corgo and Douro Superior. This exceptional terroir is characterised by steep slopes and soils composed mainly 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 promote the concentration of aromas and provide an ideal tannic structure for crafting wines of great quality.

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

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