Tinta Barroca

Taylor Fladgate Managing Director, Adrian Bridge, announced: “The success of the earlier Taylor Fladgate Historical Limited Editions, led us to launch the third in this collection of historical bottles. These editions pay tribute to the long and rich history of Port, as well as continuing our long-standing tradition of innovation. Presented in bespoke, collectable bottles in wooden boxes, these limited editions are designed to appeal to both existing and new Port consumers and collectors.” He adds: “The elegant and historical presentation make it the gift anyone would like to receive”. At the beginning of the 18th century, bottles were hand blown and bulbous in shape. They could not be laid on their sides and were therefore unsuitable for long term ageing. Instead, they were used mainly to convey the wine from the wine merchant’s cask to the consumer’s table. Because bottles were expensive, they were re-used and often displayed the crest or initials of their owner. As the 18th century progressed, bottles became taller and more cylindrical. The early bulbous ‘onion’ shape gradually evolved into a more elongated, straight-sided bottle with a longer neck. The first stage in this evolution was the appearance of the ‘mallet’ shaped bottle which had become well established in England by around 1730. Like their predecessors, the first ‘mallet’ bottles were squat in shape. Their sides were often tapered towards the shoulder rather than completely parallel. However, by around 1750, the ‘mallet’ bottle had developed a more cylindrical form. This Limited Edition bottle is inspired by the ‘mallet-cylinder’ bottle from that period, the immediate predecessor of today’s cylindrical wine bottle. Tinta Barroca and Tinta Roriz and Tinto Cão and Touriga Francesa and Touriga Nacional: This blend was carefully put together for this limited edition from specially selected Ports from Taylor’s extensive aged Tawny stocks, aged in seasoned oak Port pipes. Its character is unique for this bottling, with the characteristic Taylor’s richness and with its distinctive grip on the finish. The wine is a skilfully blended Tawny Port, harmonious and balanced, with all the intensity and finesse derived from ageing in seasoned oak casks. Deep reddish-brown hue at the centre with a narrow brick coloured rim. The mature, opulent nose opens with a warm redolence of coffee, butterscotch and dried fruit, with notes of plum and raisin. Around this rich, mellow core are layers of spicy, woody and nutty aroma, as well as discreet floral scents, giving the wine an intricate, subtle and seductive complexity. On the palate it is round and dense, with a smooth silky texture. This combines with luscious toffee and preserved fruit flavours which continue into the long, warming finish. This wine is an impressive showcase of the traditional skills of cask ageing and blending, with each component beautifully integrated and bringing an extra dimension of aroma and flavour. This wine is ready to drink and does not require decanting. The wine benefits from being served slightly chilled, between 12ºC to 16ºC. A delicious dessert wine, and combines particularly well with flavours of almonds, berry fruit or dark chocolate. It can also be enjoyed as an accompaniment for rich, blue veined cheeses. It is excellent at the end of the meal, as a crowning moment of an enjoyable evening, served on its own or with a plate of walnuts or roasted almonds 20% abv