Vintage

See its Characteristics

RICH RUBY COLOR FADING SLIGHTLY IN THE HALO. AROMAS OF SPICES, RAISINS AND FRUITCAKE.

Fonseca has been part of the first category of Vintage Port wine producers since the mid-19th century. Fonseca Vintage Port wines are known for their lush fruitiness that develops great opulence and complexity with age. Their wines appeal to the enthusiast and connoisseur, perhaps more than the Vintage Ports of any other house, because they are the result of inspired production and a deep knowledge of viticulture and terroir.

Vintage Port wines represent the best of the products of an exceptional year. Unlike Port wines that age in wood, Vintage Port wines will continue to age and improve in bottle for decades, inscribing in their character both the characteristics of the vineyard and the influence of the winemaker.

The company's Vintage Port wines come from its own estates: Cruzeiro and Santo António in the Pinhão valley, which have contributed to the company's Vintage Port blend for 100 years, as well as the Panascal estate in the Távora valley.

  • Fonseca Porto BOTTLE LAIN DOWN

  • Fonseca Porto DECANTING RECOMMENDED

  • Fonseca Porto VEGAN

  • Fonseca Porto 16ºC - 18 ºC

The Port continues to improve for decades after bottling. The bottle should be kept lain down in a cool place, ideally at a temperature below 16ºC.

Should be decanted before being served. Stand the bottle upright a few hours before decanting to allow the sediment to fall to the bottom of the bottle. Pour the wine in a slow, steady stream into a decanter, ensuring that only the clear wine is poured, leaving the sediment behind.

This Port wine is Vegan friendly

The wine benefits from being served between 16ºC to 18ºC.

The Port continues to improve for decades after bottling. The bottle should be kept lain down in a cool place, ideally at a temperature below 16ºC.

Should be decanted before being served. Stand the bottle upright a few hours before decanting to allow the sediment to fall to the bottom of the bottle. Pour the wine in a slow, steady stream into a decanter, ensuring that only the clear wine is poured, leaving the sediment behind.

This Port wine is Vegan friendly

The wine benefits from being served between 16ºC to 18ºC.

Tasting Notes

Rich ruby color fading slightly at the halo. Aromas of spices, raisins and fruitcake. Soft, sweet and slightly fat. Rich and round. Flavors of chocolate, spice and candied fruit cake.

Notes on Viticultural Year

The winter of 1979/80 was one of the driest on record. A cool spring delayed flowering somewhat, and there were even some problems with berry formation in one or two areas of the demarcated region. The summer was warm and dry. There was some precipitation on September 19 and 20, but the weather was dry and extremely hot.

Temperatures dropped to return to normal in early October, and most of the harvest took place in excellent conditions. The grapes were sound and uniformly ripe, with sugar levels high but not excessive. Although early in the harvest some fermentation occurred more quickly, most musts had excellent color and body.

In areas where there had been some problems with berry formation in the spring, yields were low and the musts were, in correspondence, rich and concentrated.

Pairing Suggestions

Walnuts are an excellent accompaniment to Vintage Port, as are blue-veined and other richly flavored cheeses. So too are dried fruits such as apricots or figs. Alternatively, simply savor the rich and complex flavors of the wine on their own in a generously proportioned glass with good company.

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