Kevin's comments: Old Tawnies from a single year, matured in cask during a minimum period of 8 years. Honeyed and nutty style with a lengthy, elegant finish.
BARROS 1978 COLHEITA PORT
Established in the beginning of the century, Barros, Almeida & C0 Vinhos S.A., is undoubtedly, one of the most prestigious companies producing and trading in port. Nowadays, the Barros Group is composed of several companies acquired or established along the years, and its position on the port market is an important one (about 5% of total sales) producing in its Quintas up the Douro about 600 pipes of port. Barros Ports are nowadays famous, appreciated all over the world.
Most of its success comes from the Old Tawnies from a single year Colheita Ports - high quality wines matured in cask during a minimum period of 8 years. These are superb and with distinctly different character between the vintages. Try chilled aged Tawnies as a fashionable alternative to vintage port.
Grapes: The traditional varieties from the Douro. The vines are cultivated on terraces supported by stone walls, or on platforms held by natural slopes on the contours of the hillsides.
Soil: Schists.
Vinification: From a careful selection of grapes and an extended maceration in order to obtain the necessary richness, body and fruitiness needed for a Colheita port. Fermentation was arrested by adding grape alcohol in order to produce a naturally sweet wine
Ageing: The best cuvées are chosen for Colheita ports that have been matured for at least 7 years in oak casks. During this period the wine is racked several times. Bottling is made as required but the label must state the age of the wine, the bottling year and that the wine has been matured in wood.
Serve: At 17c to 18c as an aperitif, with desserts, with cheese, with chocolates and also with a good cigar.
Taste: Amber colour with a bouquet reminiscent of dried fruits. Soft and velvety on the palate with a lingering finish.
