Porto | Portugal Fresh, figgy notes with a hint of butterscotch, muscovado sugar and nutmeg on the nose. The palate is expressive and packed full of plum, walnuts, hazelnuts, cinnamon and raisins. Spice notes enrich the elegant finish, balanced by racy acidity. About the Producer Traditional grape varieties are sourced from the Quinta do Retiro estate and neighbouring vineyards in the Rio Torto Valley. Here old vines are planted in schistous soils. Fermentation takes place in Quinta do Retiro Novo, and the process is interrupted by the addition of grape spirit to preserve a certain degree of natural sweetness. All ageing is done in 547 litre oak barrels (the traditional ‘pipe’) and larger casks, at Krohn’s cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia. Colheita Ports spend at least 7 years maturing in wood – at Krohn this would typically be 10 years and above, before being bottled, unfiltered, to order. Food Pairing This is a delicious dessert wine, to enjoy with berry fruit, dark chocolate and almonds – or alternatively match with blue cheese.
