Wine Folly writer Alan Tardi takes a deep dive into the world to Portugal’s Tawny Ports, told exclusively through the lens of Quinta do Noval. Tawny Ports have an undeniable appeal: they offer deliciously aged ports that have the aging done for you.
Tardi begins by demonstrating that Tawny Ports fall into two categories: Ruby and Tawny. While the two have a lot in common, mainly that they are both fortified and sweet wines from the same variety of grapes grown in the Douro Valley, they differ in their aging practices. Tardi elaborates that, “Ruby spends less time in wood before bottling, usually in large wooden casks, and maybe even stainless steel. This helps preserve its vinosity (it’s “wine-y-ness”), intensity of color, freshness of aroma, and fullness of body.” while “Tawny spends more time aging in wood before bottling, specifically smaller-sized barrels, which permits slow oxidation and significantly affects its appearance, aroma, and taste.”
The article goes on to discuss the differences in aromas and flavors, different aging lengths, pairings, storage and so forth. To learn more about Quinta do Noval and Tawny Ports, read the full article HERE.
The-Many-Styles-of-Tawny-Port-Wine-_-Wine-FollyRelated Wines
Quinta do Noval
Quinta do Noval Tawny 10 Year Old Port
Douro Valley, Portugal
Noval 10 year old Tawny is a blend of old Ports from different vintages that have matured in oak casks, with an average age of 10 years. It's a perfect expression of the Noval Tawny style. It has acquired the classical attributes of an old Tawny Port, while at the same time retaining much of the freshness and fruit of its youth.
Quinta do Noval
Quinta do Noval Tawny 20 Year Old Port
Douro Valley, Portugal
Noval 20 year old Tawny is a blend of old Ports from different vintages that have matured in oak casks, with an average age of 20 years. Irresistible freshness with all the complexity of age. Harmonious and balanced, fine, elegant and long, with all the aromatic complexity typical of Noval Tawny Ports.
Quinta do Noval
Quinta do Noval Tawny 40 Year Old Port
Douro Valley, Portugal
Noval was the first port house to introduce blended tawnies with an indication of average age. Their eldest offering, the Noval Tawny 40 Year Old Port, is a remarkable representation of the quintessence of the Noval Tawny style: a profoundly concentrated and complex old wine, the memory of the house.
Related Producers
Quinta do Noval
Douro Valley, Portugal
One of the oldest port houses, Quinta do Noval is also arguably the greatest. It is unique among top port houses in that most of the ports are made from estate-grown fruit and, notably, all of the vintage Noval wines are from the single Quinta do Noval vineyard.