Wines Port Fonseca Guimaraens - Bin No 27

Fonseca Guimaraens Bin No 27 is a revered non-vintage Port, crafted from a blend of native Portuguese grape varieties such as Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, and Tinta Barroca. This cuvée is designed to encapsulate the house style of Fonseca, blending reserve wines aged in oak casks to achieve a consistent richness year after year. The result is a deeply coloured, full-bodied red Port with seductive aromas of dark cherries, blackberries, and plums, accented by hints of chocolate, fig, and a subtle spicy undertone. Its palate is lush and velvety, delivering generous fruit and a pleasingly long, smooth finish.

The Douro Valley, where this Port originates, is one of the world’s oldest demarcated wine regions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Carved by the Douro River, the landscape features terraced vineyards rising steeply from the valley floor, with schistous soils imparting unique minerality and freshness to the grapes. The climate is typically hot and dry in summer, with cold winters – extremes that build concentration and depth in the fruit. The region’s winemaking history spans back centuries, particularly known for producing robust, ageworthy fortified wines shipped from the city of Porto, which lends its name to the style.

This style of ruby reserve Port, with its opulent fruit and rounded structure, calls for food pairings that can both complement and balance its intensity. Classic pairings include blue cheeses such as Stilton or Roquefort, as their salty creaminess harmonises beautifully with the wine’s sweetness and structure. Dark chocolate desserts, particularly those with berries, resonate with the wine’s fruit profile. For a Portuguese touch, savour it alongside Queijo da Serra, a creamy sheep’s cheese, or finish a meal with dried fruits and toasted almonds.

For optimal enjoyment, serve Fonseca Bin No 27 slightly cool, at 16-18°C, to highlight its freshness and aromatic complexity. Decanting is not essential but can help open up its bouquet. Use a generous wine glass to fully appreciate the rich aromas and, once opened, try to finish the bottle within a few days to preserve its vibrancy.