Tawny Port Wine

Tawny port is made from red port grapes in the Douro Valley, Portugal, then aged in small oak casks called pipes. Unlike ruby port, which is aged in large tanks to preserve its colour and fresh fruit, tawny port is exposed to gradual oxidation in the smaller casks over many years. This oxidation fades the colour from deep red to warm amber or tawny brown and develops complex secondary flavours, dried apricot, fig, walnut, caramel and toasted almond. The no-age-statement tawnies in this range are blends of younger wines; the 10, 20, 30 and 40 Year Old expressions carry an age statement that reflects the average age of the wines in the blend.

Each age statement represents a step up in complexity, colour change and price. The 10 Year Old shows lifted dried fruit and caramel with some of the freshness of younger wine still present. The 20 Year Old is noticeably more complex, with deeper nutty and spice notes and a longer finish. The 30 Year Old shows great concentration and elegance, with rancio notes developing. The 40 Year Old is the most complex expression, often with roasted coffee, dark toffee and toasted almond alongside the dried fruit, and is best treated as a special occasion bottle.

Tawny port is best served lightly chilled, at around 12 to 14°C. This is cooler than most people expect for a fortified wine and makes it particularly refreshing as an aperitif. Use a standard white wine glass or a port glass rather than a small copita, which concentrates the alcohol. Tawny does not need decanting as it does not throw a sediment.

An opened bottle of tawny port will keep well for four to six weeks if re-corked and stored in the fridge or a cool dark place. The higher alcohol content, around 20% ABV, and the oxidative nature of the wine mean it is much more resilient once opened than a table wine. Older expressions, such as a 30 or 40 Year Old, are best consumed within three to four weeks of opening as they are more delicate.

Tawny port is one of the most food-friendly fortified wines. The 10 and 20 Year Old expressions pair naturally with hard cheeses, almonds, dried apricots and crème brûlée. The 30 and 40 Year Old expressions suit more contemplative drinking alongside dark chocolate, pecan nuts or a piece of aged Manchego. Tawny is also a classic match for Christmas cake and mince pies.

Yes tawny port is one of the most popular gifts in this collection, particularly the aged expressions. A 20 Year Old tawny in a gift tube or box makes a considered present for a significant birthday or retirement. The 30 and 40 Year Old expressions from Kopke and Graham’s are premium gifts for someone who genuinely appreciates fine wine. All the gift boxed expressions in this collection include a complimentary personal message.