Fonseca - Terra Bella Reserve Porto
Price: $24.25
| Producer | Fonseca |
| Country | Portugal |
| Region | Douro |
| Varietal | Port Blend |
| Sku | 03046 |
Fonseca Description
Fonseca has belonged in the first rank of Vintage Port producers since the nineteenth century. Its Vintage Ports are noted for their luscious fruitiness which develops great opulence and complexity with age.
TERRA BELLA WAS THE FIRST PORT TO BE PRODUCED ENTIRELY FROM ORGANICALLY GROWN GRAPES.
Fonseca was one of the pioneers of organic viticulture in the Douro valley. An area of its flagship estate, Quinta do Panascal in the Távora Valley, was converted to organic viticulture in 1992 and today its Quinta de Santo António in the Pinhão Valley is entirely certified for organic production. Fonseca has also developed partnerships with other growers practising organic viticulture in the Douro Valley.
In 2002 it became possible for the first time to produce a Port made entirely from grapes derived from certified organic viticulture. This was due to an agreement with a specialised distiller who was able to supply grape spirit for fortification made from certified organically farmed grapes.
The result was Terra Bella Reserve, an elegant reserve blend, displaying fresh vibrant fruit, in which organic viticulture has allowed the traditional port grape varieties to express their natural aromas to the full.
It is certified as being derived from organically grown grapes by Socert, the Portuguese certifying body which is part of the European Ecocert certification system.
TASTING NOTES
A wonderfully rich, concentrated Port with great flavor and texture. It has an opulent black fruit nose which is followed through on the palate showing layers of intense berry, plum and cherry fruit flavors supported by firm, but well integrated tannins. This is a deliciously textured Port wine, which is velvety, smooth, succulent and plump.
SERVING SUGGESTION
The perfect accompaniment for an indulgent plate of chocolate truffles after dinner or with a chocolate and blueberry fondant as the show stopping dinner party dessert.
Decanter: 93 Points
Ripe aromas of damson, and plum with notes of aniseed, warm with pepper spice, and cool with a leafy freshness. Deeply crimson colour, almost inky. A full bodied and rounded palate with big bold classic fruit flavours, and a hint of fresh mint. Lovely structured tannins.
Wine Advocate: 92 Points
The Terra Prima Organic Port is just terrific. The nose is so fresh and well defined with blackcurrant fruit infused with faint touches of mandarin, dark cherries, fresh dates and liquorice. The palate is nicely balanced with slightly tarry black fruit. It offers lifted acidity and a spirituous nature without any loss in tension and there is a pleasant kick of volatility towards the refined, harmonious finish. I appreciate the edginess and tension on this wine, a sense of elegance that I usually associate more with Taylors than with a Fonseca. This comes highly recommended. Drink now-2020.
-- Neal Martin
