Wines Port W. & J. Graham's - The Tawny Mature Reserve - 2023

W. & J. Graham’s Cuvée The Tawny Mature Reserve is a classic expression of the famed Porto region in Portugal, renowned for producing the world’s finest fortified wines. As a Tawny Reserve, this wine has likely spent several years maturing in seasoned oak casks, developing a complex, mellow character and a garnet-amber hue. The 2023 vintage, though recent, suggests a blend that seeks the balance between youthful fruit and the nuanced, oxidative aromas imparted by prolonged barrel ageing. The grape blend is not explicitly stated, but traditional Porto Tawnies are commonly produced from indigenous Portuguese varieties such as Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, among others, which together create a harmonious medley of dried fruit, toasted almond, caramel and subtle spice notes.

Porto, or the Douro Valley, traces its viticultural history back centuries and is shaped by its dramatic terraced hillsides overlooking the Douro River. The warm continental climate, punctuated by schistous soils, provides ideal conditions for the slow ripening of grapes destined for fortified wines. Combined with the unique practice of adding grape spirit to halt fermentation, the region’s expertise yields wines with remarkable richness, depth, and longevity.

For food pairings, this style of Tawny is exceptionally versatile. It excels alongside nutty desserts such as pecan or walnut tarts, classic Portuguese pastéis de nata, or matured cheeses like Stilton. The smooth, slightly sweet profile also complements pâtés, duck liver, as well as dried fruits and roasted nuts often found on a cheeseboard. For a more regional touch, you might try it with traditional Portuguese almond cake or fig-based desserts.

To best enjoy this Tawny Reserve, serve it very slightly chilled, ideally between 12°C and 14°C. This allows the aromas of dried fruits, nuts, and caramelised sugar to unfold, while maintaining a pleasant freshness. A small port glass, served with time to allow the wine to open, will reward you with its full complexity and velvety texture.