As with the house’s Ruby Port (see link below), this was made exclusively from estate fruit grown in the Cima Corgo. A blend of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa, Tinta Barroca, and Tinta Roriz, some lots are trodden in granite lagares. The wine was aged in 550 liter pipes at the quinta, rather than in customary Porto, then blended to produce this profile.
The color is actually light ruby, not very tawny hued despite the cask aging, but its aromas are justly more woodsy and barrel-influenced than in the ruby version. Redolent of oak and toast, nut and caramel, and the elaboration of oxidation, it would be a natural with nutty chocolate desserts, chocolate pastries, or pecan pie. The wine will pick up toastiness in pastry desserts, while its fruit will harmonize with jams and spice.
19.5% abv | $19 (sample) | Imported by Winesellers, Ltd.
