Guimaraens
APRICOT NOTES EMERGE AS THE WINE OPENS IN THE GLASS, FOLLOWED BY WARMER NOTES OF CEDAR, SMOKE, AND DARK CHOCOLATE.
In certain years when there is no classic Fonseca Vintage Port, a Guimaraens Vintage Port may be made instead. Guimaraens Vintage Ports nevertheless share the origins, heritage and complex fruity style of the classic Fonseca vintages and are drawn from the produce of the same three estates. They differ only in that they are more approachable, ready to drink earlier
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BOTTLE LAIN DOWN
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DECANTING RECOMMENDED
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VEGAN
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16ºC - 18 ºC
The Port continues to improve for decades after bottling. The bottle should be kept lain down in a cool place, ideally at a temperature below 16ºC.
Should be decanted before being served. Stand the bottle upright a few hours before decanting to allow the sediment to fall to the bottom of the bottle. Pour the wine in a slow, steady stream into a decanter, ensuring that only the clear wine is poured, leaving the sediment behind.
This Port wine is Vegan friendly
The wine benefits from being served between 16ºC to 18ºC.
The Port continues to improve for decades after bottling. The bottle should be kept lain down in a cool place, ideally at a temperature below 16ºC.
Should be decanted before being served. Stand the bottle upright a few hours before decanting to allow the sediment to fall to the bottom of the bottle. Pour the wine in a slow, steady stream into a decanter, ensuring that only the clear wine is poured, leaving the sediment behind.
This Port wine is Vegan friendly
The wine benefits from being served between 16ºC to 18ºC.
Tasting Notes
A vivid magenta rim surrounds an opaque purple almost black core. The 2013 Guimaraens displays the opulent fruit character that defines Fonseca's style. The nose opens with a surge of powerful and intense woodland berry aromas, rich and juicy but with no signs of over ripeness. Notes of apricot emerge as the wine opens in the glass, followed by warmer notes of cedar, smoke and dark chocolate.
A tinge of discreet floral and herbal aromas contribute additional dimension and complexity. In the mouth the palate is virtually overwhelmed by rich black berry flavors and the dense, compact tannins that provide impressive volume and abundance. Illusively velvety after attack, the tannins emerge on the finish with a firm and confident grip. This is a Vintage Port whose seductive, hedonistic fruitiness makes it an excellent choice for earlier consumption but which has a structure and vigor that will ensure it a long life in bottle.
Notes on Viticultural Year
The preceding winter was very rainy, with precipitation in Pinion 30% above average. The water reserves in the soil were full after the arid conditions of 2012. In contrast to the heavy rainfall at the beginning of the year, the growing season was dry with only 100mm of rain between April and August. As a result the vines were virtually free of any disease.
The beginning of the growing season was relatively cool leading to slow growth and late veraison around July 15. July and August saw some very high temperatures which accelerated the cycle and encouraged the ripening of the crop. July was the hottest month, with an average temperature above 26°C, and in both July and August there were 11 days when the temperature exceeded 40°C.
The hot weather extended into September but some rain early in the month helped to refine the ripening. The harvest started at Quinta do Panascal on September 21st, and at the properties in the Pinhão valley, Cruzeiro and Santo António on the 23rd. The harvest was going on under excellent conditions until September 27th when it started to rain heavily. Fortunately the best grapes were already safe and produced deeply red and aromatic musts.
Winemaker's Notes
"The 2013 vintage can be described as two vintages, in fact there is a dividing line, with exceptionally rich and powerful wines produced before the late September rains and lighter wines produced afterwards. The Port wines made at the Fonseca estates in the first week of the harvest are fabulous and allow us to produce an excellent blend for the 2013 Guimaraens, very full-bodied and full of dense berry flavors."
Winemaker's Notes
"The 2013 vintage can be described as two vintages, in fact there is a dividing line, with exceptionally rich and powerful wines produced before the late September rains and lighter wines produced afterwards. The Port wines made at the Fonseca estates in the first week of the harvest are fabulous and allow us to produce an excellent blend for the 2013 Guimaraens, very full-bodied and full of dense berry flavors."
