Noval 10 Years Old Tawny Port

Noval 10 Years Old Tawny Port is made by Quinta do Noval, the Douro estate founded in 1715 on the left bank of the Pinhão river. It blends the region's native grapes, Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Roriz and Sousão, grown on schist terraces that include vines from the parcels which survived the phylloxera plague. After fortification to 19.5% alcohol arrests fermentation and retains sweetness, the wine is aged for an average of ten years in seasoned port pipes. A decade of oxidative ageing in this smaller wood begins to draw the colour from ruby towards golden amber and develops the nutty, spiced character of Tawny, while keeping more of the fresher fruit than older bottlings show. The colour is intense golden amber. The nose offers nuts and warm spice over dried apricot. The palate is concentrated and creamy, balanced and well structured, with notable freshness running through a clean finish. Serve lightly chilled at 13 to 15C in a small glass. It suits nutty cheeses, caramel and almond desserts and a bowl of dried fruit.