Fonseca’s three vineyards—Quinta do Panascal, Quinta de Cruzeiro and Quinta de Santo António—all form the backbone of the famous Fonseca Vintage Portos, produced only in vintages that are “declared” as being of the highest quality. Fonseca is recognized across the Douro as a leader of viticultural practices for Porto and has spearheaded development of organic and sustainable programs across the region. The fruit for Fonseca’s Vintage Portos is trod by foot in granite lagares on the estate. Fermentation is halted by the addition of grape spirits before all the residual sugar has been fermented, creating a sweet, fortified wine. The wine is aged for two years in oak before being bottled unfiltered.

95 points
jamessuckling.com
2011 vintage
19 points
Jancis Robinson's Purple Pages
2011 vintage
Harvest Note
A cold, wet winter started the year. From November-April, heavy rain in the heart of the Cima Corgo was critical to the the growing season; it replenished depleted ground water before a very dry summer. Buds appeared around March 19; April was wet and warm, which spurred growth and increased risk of diseases. In May, dry conditions prevailed, with no rain in most of the Douro Valley until August 21. Vines thrived, drawing on ground water reserves. Bunches developed in ideal conditions and véraison came a bit early, around June 15. June-July was dry but mild, except for heat spike end of July, ending the growing season. With warm weather and water, ripening was more advanced. Hot and dry conditions lasted through August; perfectly-timed rain on August 21 and September 1 helped optimal ripening. Wines have powerful aromas; remarkable depth of color, and promising structure for good evolution.
Tasting Note
Dense, brooding and massive dark blackberry and blackcurrant aromas. Compact and concentrated, this shows exceptional purity: the hallmark of 2011. Has an array of heady herbal aromas, discreet notes of exotic wood, marzipan and plum, and graphite-laced minerality. Solid, well-integrated tannins give volume and firmness to dense black fruit flavors, with dark chocolate and licorice notes. Shows the classic opulence of Fonseca.
Food Pairing
Pairs well with blue cheeses like Stilton or Roquefort and desserts of dark chocolate or berries. Should be decanted before serving due to sediment.
Technical Data
GRAPES: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Roriz, Tinto Cão, Tinta Amarela
APPELLATION: Douro
ACIDITY: 4.59 g/L
ABV: 20.0%
RESIDUAL SUGAR: 104 g/L
Unique Selling Points
  • A Vintage Porto made only in the finest years.
  • A collectible Porto that will develop for decades in the bottle.
  • Made from fruit grown in Fonseca’s own estate vineyards.

About the Grape

Tinta Amarela
Tinta Amarela makes wines with intensely perfumed aromas of blackberry and tea, bold structure, deep color and excellent depth.
Tinta Barroca
Used to make Port wines, this high yielding grape has very high sugar content, which makes wines with pronounced floral character, good structure and firm, ripe tannins.
Tinta Cão
This grape has blackberry, game and meaty aromas, and contributes longevity and exceptional elegance to the blend of Port wines.
Tinta Roriz
Tinta Roriz produces deep-colored grapes of moderate acidity which make bold wines with firm tannins, excellent complexity and distinctive resin-like fragrance.
Touriga Franca
This grape has high tannins and is very aromatic; it lends structure and balance to Port wines. It shows intense fresh red fruit, earth and flower aromas, and is very fruity on the palate.
Touriga Nacional
Touriga Nacional produces wine with finesse, body and warmth that is dark, concentrated, massively tannic and aromatic. It ages to show the complex aromas typically found in mature vintage port.
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