How's it made? Tawny Port begins its life as red port that has been selected for laying down in oak casks for extended aging - years of gentle oxidation in the wood turns the red port a lighter brown colour known as tawny.  Aging of between 10 and 40 years produces port characterised by its smoothness and the aroma and taste of spice, dried fruit and nuttiness.

Drinking - these ports can be drunk after dinner with cheese and dessert or, if served slightly chilled, they make a superb aperitif wine. I personally find they benefit from opening a couple of hours in advance to let the air at them.  They don't need decanting and once open tawny port will keep for 3-4 weeks when you keep the stopper cork in

Food - try as an aperitif with salted mixed nuts, olives or canapes.  After dinner try it with dessert and coffee - sticky toffee pudding full of dates makes good company for tawny port.