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Douro Valley | Portugal

Vintage Port DOC Wine Guide

The greatest fortified wine — magnificent structure, eternal ageing

Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta RorizServe 16–18°CAge 20–80 years
Vintage Port wine colour in the glass
Typical colourDeep purple

Overview

The aristocrat of fortified wines. Declared only in the finest years, vintage Port is bottled after 2 years and aged for 20–50+ years in bottle. The Symington family (Graham's, Dow's, Warre's) and Fladgate Partnership (Taylor's, Fonseca) have defined the style for generations.

In The Glass

Colour
Deep purple
Nose
Blackberry, Dark plum, Fig, Dark chocolate and Violets.
Palate
The greatest fortified wine — magnificent structure, eternal ageing. Generally very full-bodied, medium acidity, firm tannins, sweet, with a very long finish.

Tasting Profile

Body Very Full5/5
Tannins Firm4/5
Acidity Medium3/5
Sweetness Sweet4/5
Alcohol Very High5/5

Grapes

Touriga NacionalTouriga FrancaTinta RorizTinta Barroca

Aromas And Notes

BlackberryDark plumFigBlack cherryChocolateDark chocolateVioletsSpiceTobaccoLeatherGameWalnutCoffee

Terroir

Extreme continental — Atlantic blocked by mountains. +40°C summer, -5°C winter.

SchistDecomposed graniteSlate

Food Pairings

StiltonWalnutsDark chocolateFig tartMature Cheddar

Notable Producers

  • Quinta do Noval Nacional, founded 1715 - Noval Nacional Vintage Port
  • Graham's, founded 1820 - Graham's Malvedos Vintage Port
  • Taylor Fladgate, founded 1692 - Taylor's Vintage Port