Porto Menéres '20 Year' Tawny Port, Douro Valley, Portugal

The Menéres '20 Year' Tawny Port embodies the essence of Portuguese winemaking tradition, crafted from grapes grown in the esteemed Quinta do Saião and Quinta de Zom estates in the Douro Valley. This rich tawny port reveals the influence of over two decades of aging in seasoned oak, showcasing a refined complexity and depth that has become synonymous with the Menéres name. With a history rooted in the heritage of the van Zeller family, Menéres ports are celebrated for their exceptional quality and unmatched character.

Product Details

• Varietals: Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, Tinto Cão
• Origin: Douro Valley, Portugal
• Appellation: Douro DOC
• Elaboration: Hand-harvested, foot-trodden in granite lagars, fermented with native yeasts; aged 20 years in seasoned oak casks
• Production: 100 cases
• Alcohol: 20%
• Total Acidity: 4.71 g/l
• Residual Sugar: 110 g/l
• pH: 3.57
• Volatile Acidity: 0.53 g/l
• Ratings: 91 Points (Wine Spectator), 90 Points (BTI)

Sensory Description This 20-Year Tawny offers an inviting amber color with hints of mahogany, setting the stage for a bouquet of intense, layered aromas. Rich raisin and dried fruit notes mingle with nutty undertones, complemented by hints of toffee and caramel that speak to its long oak aging. The palate is smooth and mellow, with a balanced sweetness and a touch of warmth. Flavors of fig, dates, and brown sugar unfold harmoniously, leading to a long, satisfying finish that echoes the wine's complex, developed character.

Producer's Background Menéres represents the pinnacle of the van Zeller family's port production. Fernando van Zeller, owner of Portugal’s largest independent port company, traces his family's involvement in the port trade through 14 uninterrupted generations, marking the longest lineage in the region. Originally known for their famed Quinta do Noval estate, the van Zellers retained their extensive library of aged wines after selling the estate in the 1990s. They revived the Menéres label, named after ancestor Arnaldo Menéres, to reflect their dedication to quality and tradition. Today, Menéres stands as the family's highest quality port line, embodying their commitment to crafting complex, age-worthy tawny ports.

Serving Suggestions Serve Menéres '20 Year' Tawny Port slightly chilled, around 55-58°F, to fully appreciate its nuanced flavors and silky texture. This port is a beautiful accompaniment to rich desserts like almond tarts, crème brûlée, or blue-veined cheeses. For a refined pairing, try it alongside roasted nuts or dried fruits to echo its deep raisin and caramel notes. Ideal for special occasions or a luxurious end to a meal, this tawny port is a rewarding sip on its own or as an indulgent pairing with dessert.