Dows 10yr, Tawny Port, 75cl

TASTING NOTE

This Port’s colour has a deep russet centre with a distinctive garnet edge and a hint of amber and bright aromas of red cherry and almonds with toffee and vanilla notes balance the nose. On the palate this wine is mouth-filling, with peppery spice and a touch of marmalade. The finish is full, with Dow’s trademark dry edge.

AGED TAWNY PORT

In the barrel-ageing process, aged tawny Ports are subjected to a gradual transformation through contact with air and wood. This results in considerable evaporation and concentration, with approximately 25% of the original volume of a 10 year old tawny disappearing before it is eventually bottled. Constant attention is needed as maturing barrels and vats of varied sizes will show marked differences as they age. The master blender, cellar master and coopers all play their parts in nurturing the maturing wines until finally a beautifully balanced aged tawny Port emerges. Dow’s Aged Tawnies have a singular identity which strives to balance the proportion of wood character with the original fine fruit flavours. To achieve this style, the Dow’s tasters have traditionally aged a proportion of their ageing tawnies in the larger well-seasoned oak balseiros, with capacities ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 litres. The result is that the Dow’s Aged Tawnies retain an attractive fruit character and lose less intensity over the years, with a deeper colour than most. This, combined with the hallmark drier style of Dow’s, creates unique Ports with a distinctive style.

THE WINE

Aged for 10 years in the Boa Vista Lodge, Dow’s 10 Year Old retains bright fruit flavours

combined with an intense complexity from prolonged ageing in well-seasoned oak.

WINEMAKER

Charles Symington

For over two centuries the name of Dow’s has been closely linked with the finest Ports from the vineyards of the Upper Douro Valley. Since 1912, when Andrew James Symington became a partner in Dow’s, five generations of Symington winemakers have lived and worked at their vineyards of Quinta do Bomfim and Quinta da Senhora da Ribeira from where they have produced many memorable wines, including the only Vintage Port made in the 21st century with a perfect 100-point score.

STORAGE AND SERVING

Dow’s 10 Year Old Tawny is a perfect match to sweet desserts, such as apple pie or chocolate mousse. Serve slightly chilled. It will last for up to one month once open.

WINE SPECIFICATION

Alcohol by Volume: 20% v/v (20oC)

Total Acidity: 4.2 g/l tartaric acid

Baumé: 3.8

Allergy advice: Contains sulphites