Noval 20 Years Old Tawny Port

Noval 20 Years Old Tawny Port is produced by Quinta do Noval, founded in 1715 and the first house to age its wines on its own estate, on the left bank of the Pinhão river in the Douro Valley. It is a blend of native grapes, Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Roriz and Sousão, grown on schist terraces that include vines descended from the parcels that survived phylloxera. After fortification to 21% alcohol stops fermentation, the wine is matured for an average of twenty years in seasoned port pipes. This long ageing in smaller wood is what makes an aged Tawny: oxygen passes slowly through the staves, fading the colour to amber and building the nutty, dried-fruit complexity that gives the style its character, while evaporation concentrates flavour and texture. The colour is amber with a fine rim. The nose is elegant and refined, led by walnut and hazelnut over dried apricot and caramel. The palate is velvety and balanced, the wood-derived nuttiness woven through ripe dried fruit, finishing long. Serve lightly chilled at 13 to 15C in a small glass. It suits nutty cheeses, caramel desserts and dried fruit.