Fonseca : Vintage Port 2017

Characteristics and tasting advice for Fonseca's Vintage Port 2017

Tasting

Colour
Dark colour with a magenta edge.

Nose
Intense aromas of concentrated blackberries are accompanied by fresher red fruits, balanced by a subtle minerality. Vegetal, balsamic and woody cedar notes reveal themselves in the background.

Palate
In the mouth, a concentration of small black fruits unfolds, offering a velvety texture. Firm tannins and a lively acidity provide structure and energy, while the complex and powerful fruit dominates the whole.

The concentration and elegance of a Vintage Port

The estate

Founded in 1815 in Portugal, Fonseca stands out as a choice Vintage Port house. Since its foundation, five generations of the Guimaraens family have nurtured the estate with their expertise. Its classic Vintage Ports are considered very consistent in terms of style. This consistency stems not only from the continuity of family commitment and the knowledge and skills passed down from one generation to the next, but also from a close link with the vineyard. In 2006, Fonseca became the first house to offer a Port entirely made from organically grown grapes, in addition to being the only Port house to have four wines rated 100 points.

The vineyard

This Vintage Port 2017 from Fonseca is made from three quintas (Quinta de Santo António, do Cruzeiro and do Panascal), located in the Cima Corgo, an emblematic wine-growing area of the Duriense region.

Vinification and ageing

The grapes dedicated to the production of this Vintage Port are foot-trodden in the stone "lagares" of Cruzeiro and Panascal, before fermentation and ageing.

The vintage

Despite a cold and dry start to the year, bud break was early. The persistent drought in spring favoured rapid vine growth, leading to early flowering in early May. In June, extremely high temperatures accelerated veraison, which took place around 18 June, earlier than usual. Although the drought lasted until the end of September, cooler nights in August tempered the effects of the heat, and the grapes ripened early. Early harvests reveal, despite low yields, grapes with thick skins and a beautiful concentration.

Blend

Porto Blend.