Sandeman FINE Tawny Porto

Fine Tawny is the entry wood-aged Port of Sandeman, the Douro house founded in London in 1790. It blends red Douro grapes led by Touriga Franca with Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca and others, fortified during fermentation and then set to age in oak rather than in sealed vat.

Unlike a Ruby, this style takes its character from oxidative cask ageing in Sandeman's Vila Nova de Gaia lodges. Gradual exposure to air over an average of a few years softens the tannins, fades the red toward warm copper-amber and swaps fresh fruit for the mellow, nutty notes typical of Tawny. The wine is bottled ready to pour.

Look for pale red-amber colour, a nose of vanilla, raisin and fig with a lift of orange peel, and a velvety medium body carrying caramel, toffee and roasted nuts over lively acidity. It sits comfortably between aperitif and dessert: try it lightly chilled before a meal, with coffee, or beside a nut tart and hard cheeses.