We're often asked what makes a Vintage Port so special. First of all, the grapes for a Vintage Port come from a single, exceptional harvest year. On average, a Vintage Port can only be produced once every three years, although Fonseca's grapes are of such high quality that it can sometimes be produced more often. The grapes used for a Vintage Port undergo a rigorous, hand-selected process. Only the finest grapes are considered for this exceptional port. Unlike other ports, all Vintage Ports, including this Fonseca Vintage 2016, are bottle-aged. This bottle-aging can continue for decades. This is because the port is bottled unfiltered. This does, however, create lees at the bottom of the bottle, sometimes making the port appear somewhat cloudy. Therefore, if you plan to serve a Vintage Port, it's advisable to store it upright a day beforehand or decant it shortly before serving.
Fonseca has declared the 2016 vintage a unique and rare 'classic vintage'! The last time this happened was five years ago, with the 2011 vintage. David Guimaraens, head winemaker: "The 2016 harvest started late. Quinta do Cruzeiro began harvesting at the end of September, and Quinta do Santo António began harvesting in early October. A Vintage Port can be enjoyed very young, but when aged for a few years (think ten years at least), the flavors become much more concentrated. We tasted this 2016 Vintage in its early stages. Dense, purple-black color. The aroma reveals very fine, pure black fruit: a fusion of black cherries, cassis, and blackberries with notes of ground mint and undertones of ripe tropical fruit. The wine has an extra layer of purity and refinement thanks to the typical Fonseca character, as well as an attractive minerality. The palate is supported by lively acidity and taut tannins that provide structure, texture, and volume. The berry aromas contribute to the long finish. An excellent and perfectly balanced port."
It's also good to know that once the bottle is opened, the shelf life of a Vintage Port will be shorter than that of any other port. The flavor will deteriorate after a few days, while a non-Vintage Port can be enjoyed for several months. Incidentally, it's not a bad thing to finish this Vintage Port faster...
