Quinta do Noval : 40 Year Old Tawny

Characteristics and Tasting Tips for the 40 Year Old Tawny from Quinta do Noval

Tasting

Appearance
The colour is a deep, evolved amber-brown, reflecting the long years spent in cask. It remains clear and brilliant.

Nose
The nose first evokes almonds and walnuts. It then opens onto dried fruits (figs, dates, raisins), caramelised notes and hints of toasted almond. Nuances of candied citrus, orange or mandarin zest, leather, tobacco and sweet spices complete the bouquet. Some tasters also detect a slightly rancio character. The bouquet evolves with aeration.

Palate
The palate is velvety and rich, with aromatic power tempered by the elegance that comes with ageing. Dried fruits, honey, butterscotch and a touch of spice are all present. Acidity and alcohol balance the natural sweetness of the wine. The finish is long and persistent.

Food and Wine Pairings

This tawny Port is traditionally enjoyed at the end of a meal. It pairs beautifully with desserts based on dried fruits, walnuts, almonds or caramel, as well as dark chocolates with walnut pieces. It also goes well with blue cheeses such as Roquefort or Stilton, and with foie gras served with dried fruits. It can also be enjoyed on its own, as a contemplative wine.

Serving and Cellaring

The 40 Year Old Tawny NM from Quinta do Noval is served slightly chilled. It is filtered and therefore requires no decanting. It is ready to be enjoyed as soon as it is bottled.

A Tawny Port from Quinta do Noval, in the Douro, with notes of dried fruits, walnuts and caramel

The Estate

Quinta do Noval is a Port house located near Pinhão, in the heart of the Duriense wine region, in the Douro Valley. The estate's name appears in land registers as early as 1715; in 1894, António José da Silva purchased the property and replanted the vineyard after phylloxera. Owned by the AXA Millésimes group since 1993 and managed by Christian Seely, Managing Director, it boasts a vineyard classified A. It is recognised as a pioneer of age-indicated tawny Ports.

The Vineyard

The Quinta do Noval vineyard, the foundation of the House's Ports, extends across the steep slopes of the Douro Valley. These Portuguese vineyards are cultivated on terraces.

The Blend

This Vintage Port is a blend of aged wines from different vintages, with an average age of forty years. Some lots may be younger and others older. The blend aims to maintain a consistent profile from one bottling to the next.

Winemaking and Ageing

For the 40 Year Old Tawny, fermentation is halted by the addition of spirit, as with all Ports. The wine then ages for a long time in an oxidative manner, in large wooden casks known as cascos. This ageing process gives it concentration, aromatic complexity and an amber hue. The wine is filtered before bottling.

Grape Varieties

Port Blend