FONSECA, CLASSIC VINTAGE PORT

DOURO, PORTUGAL 2017

In case you haven’t been following along, the 2017 Port vintage is one for the books. Today we’re highlighting Fonseca, a producer with a justifiably loyal following whose vintage ports James Suckling recognizes as “the most consistently great of them all. Not only do they have a striking fleshiness and powerful richness when young, but they retain that youthfulness for decades.” 2017 is no exception and lives up to the high standards for quality and tradition that the house has been setting since 1840. We’re excited to offer the 2017 Fonseca vintage in multiple size formats to fit every collector’s wallet and cellar. 

There’s a Portuguese saying “do Roncão e Panascal vêm os melhores vinhos de Portugal,” which translates as “from Roncão and Panascal come the best wines in Portugal.” Quinta do Panascal, a small area approximately four kilometers west of Pinhão, is prized as one of the most desired Port sites as well as Fonseca’s flagship estate. Panascal had not historically been a supplier for Fonseca, but that changed in the late 1970s when the firm had an opportunity to rehabilitate this prime location to produce wines well-suited to the Fonseca style. There’s impressive site and elevation variation within this relatively small area; the entire vineyard has excellent sunlight exposure, but whereas wines from lower slopes near the Távora River produce luscious, powerful styles, the wines from the cooler upper slopes (around 400 meters above sea level) are more elegant with vibrant acidity. Combined, the wines from this estate are defined by rich, luscious fruitiness and aromatic complexity: the cornerstone of the Fonseca house style. 

Fonseca perfectly balances traditional winemaking practices with modern and sustainable agriculture at Quinta do Panascal, along with their other estate holdings Santo António and Cruzeiro, and the wines seem to be getting better and better—truly some of the best Port available today. You’ve been asking for Fonseca, and we’ve heard you! The 2017s are living up to all the hype and will continue to reward for decades to come. Whether you’re a longtime collector or just getting into the journey of wine, the 2017 Fonseca is worth your attention. Don’t miss out on this limited-time offer!