Fonseca Guimaraens Vintage 1996

Wine information: IIn the early 1950’s, the rising demand for vintage ports led Fonseca Guimaraens to create a second vintage port under the ‘Guimaraens’ label in ‘non-classic’, or undeclared years. Guimaraens vintage port is produced from the same three Fonseca quintas in the Cima Corgo which provide the backbone of Fonseca’s vintage ports in declared years. Because they are produced from wines from the same sources as the classic Fonseca vintage ports, Guimaraens vintage ports consistently show the classic Fonseca style. Somewhat earlier maturing than Fonseca vintage ports, they are aged in Fonseca’s lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia and are only released for sale upon reaching maturity, which may be a decade or more after the vintage date. There is a smaller blend of Guimaraens vintage produced and these non classic wines, for their quality and rarity offer an exceptional value. When decanting the wine, stand the bottle upright a few hours before drinking to allow the collected sediment to fall to the bottom of the bottle. After uncorking the wine, pour in a slow, steady stream into your decanter, carefully watching the emerging liquid to ensure that only the clear wine is poured, leaving the sediment behind. Walnuts are an excellent accompaniment to Vintage Port, as are blue veined and other richly flavoured cheeses. So too are dried fruits such as apricots or figs. Alternatively, simply savour the rich and complex flavours of the wine on their own in a generously proportioned glass with good company! “The 1996 vintage is not a great year for Vintage Port by any means, but this is a very good one…Lovely, ripe wine with lots of berry and cherry aromas and flavoursMedium-bodied and very sweet, with soft tannins and a fresh fruit finish.” James Suckling, Wine Spectator.

 
     

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