Fonseca : Late Bottled Vintage 2021

Characteristics and tasting tips for the Fonseca Late Bottled Vintage 2021

Tasting

Colour
The wine displays a dark hue, ranging from deep ruby to purple, with an almost opaque appearance.

Nose
Intense and complex, the nose reveals powerful aromas of black fruit such as blackcurrant, blackberry and black cherry. This fruity bouquet is enriched by notes of dark chocolate and sweet spices, sometimes lifted by a refreshing hint of menthol or eucalyptus.

Palate
On the palate, this wine offers generous volume and a silky, even velvety texture. The rich, fruity attack gives way to a solid structure supported by firm yet refined tannins. The long finish lingers on persistent flavours of black fruit, spice and chocolate, enhanced by an elegant touch of bitterness.

Food and wine pairings

This wine pairs beautifully with characterful cheeses, particularly bold blue cheeses such as Roquefort or Stilton, as well as aged goat's cheeses. It also elevates dark chocolate desserts, red fruit pastries and assortments of dried fruit and nuts. For more daring pairings, it makes a perfect match for grilled meats or moderately spiced dishes.

Serving and cellaring

The Late Bottled Vintage 2021 is crafted to be enjoyed upon release, expected around 2026, while also offering fine potential to develop in bottle over several years. As it is unfiltered, decanting before serving is highly recommended to separate any natural sediment.

The depth and elegance of a great Port from the Douro Valley

The estate

Founded in 1815, the House of Fonseca has established itself as an essential benchmark in the production of age-worthy wines. Historically rooted in Vila Nova de Gaia and the Douro Valley, the estate stands out for its pioneering commitment to sustainable viticulture within the Douro wine region. Part of the family-owned group The Fladgate Partnership since 1948, the house is now headed by Adrian Bridge. Fonseca upholds a unique style that combines tradition and innovation, producing rich, fruity wines deeply shaped by their terroir.

The vineyard

The grapes come from the house's emblematic estates, notably the Quintas do Panascal, do Cruzeiro and de Santo António, located in the prestigious sub-regions of Cima Corgo and Douro Superior. This Port terroir is characterised by steep slopes, deep schist soils and a continental climate with hot, dry summers. The vineyard is managed according to a rigorous sustainable model, favouring laser-guided single-row terraces, natural grass cover and non-irrigated farming.

Winemaking and ageing

The grapes are harvested by hand. After meticulous sorting, they are crushed, sometimes using robotic technology that replicates the gentleness of traditional foot treading so as not to crush the seeds. Fermentation, deliberately kept short to preserve a lovely sweetness, is halted by the addition of a neutral grape spirit. This Vintage Port is then aged for around five years in large neutral wooden vats with a capacity of 27,500 litres, before being bottled without filtration.

Grape varieties

Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Cão, Tinta Barroca