Vintage

See its Characteristics

OPAQUE, DARK PURPLE COLOR. FRESH BERRY FRUIT AROMAS. ENCHANTINGLY SCENTED RESINOUS AROMAS.

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

Opaque, dark purple color. Fresh berry fruit aromas. Charmingly perfumed resinous aromas. Intense dark chocolate flavors. In the mouth it is big, voluptuous, full-bodied, multi-layered and full of texture. Long and intense finish.

Notes on Viticultural Year

The winter of 1991/92 was drier than usual. This dry weather continued during the spring, with only light rains in April and May. In May, flowering occurred earlier than usual, and the warmth at the end of the month ensured good berry formation. A long and hot summer was interrupted by some heavy rains in late August and also in September.

Harvest began a week later than elsewhere in the region, on September 28, and was rewarded by a perfectly ripe crop. The vintage notes written on October 10 reported: "The acidity balance is excellent and this, combined with the high sugar levels and very good color extraction, has resulted in musts of exceptional quality. The weather during the harvest has been ideal for wine production."

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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