Guimaraens Vintage Port 2013
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Portugal / Douro Valley Porto
Guimaraens Vintage Ports are made in certain years when a classic Fonseca Vintage is not declared and are generally more supple and approachable when young. An excellent choice for early drinking, they nevertheless have the depth and stamina to mature in bottle. Guimaraens is crafted from grapes sourced from three of Fonseca’s most prized estates. In the Tavora Valley, Quinta do Panascal is one of the most highly reputed Port vineyards. Cruzeiro, on the east bank of the Pinhão River, has been supplying Fonseca since the 1870s and its wines have contributed to the firm’s Vintage Port blends since 1912. Close by, Santo Antonio has been highly rated since the 1761 classification of port vineyards and is the site of award winning work in sustainable viticulture.
Harvest Note
The preceding winter was very wet, with rainfall at Pinhão 30% above the norm, replenishing water reserves depleted by the arid conditions of 2012. The growing season was very dry, sparing most vines from disease. The early growing season was also relatively cool leading to slow growth and a late vérasion around July 15th. July and August saw some very high temperatures which accelerated the cycle and encouraged ripening of the crop. July was the hottest month, with an average temperature of over 26° C (79° F), and during July and August 11 days exceeded 40° C (104° F). Some rainfall early in September helped to round off the ripening. Picking started at Quinta do Panascal on September 21st and in the two Pinhão Valley estates, Cruzeiro and Santo António, on the 23rd. Harvesting conditions were excellent until September 27th, and the best grapes were picked and under cover before that date.
Tasting Note
The Guimaraens 2013 displays the opulent fruit character which defines the Fonseca house style. The nose opens with a surge of powerful woodland aroma, rich and succulent but not over-ripe. Hints of apricot emerge, followed by warmer notes of cedar, wood smoke and dark chocolate. Discreet floral and herbal scents contribute additional complexity. The palate abounds with rich dark berry flavors while dense, compact tannins provide impressive volume and weight. Deceptively velvety on the mid-palate, the tannins emerge with a firm, confident grip on the finish. An attractive choice for early drinking, the Guimaraens has the background and stamina to ensure a long life in bottle.
Technical Data
GRAPES: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa, Tinto Cão, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca
APPELLATION: Douro
ACIDITY: 3.93 g/l
ABV: 20%
RESIDUAL SUGAR: 101 g/l
Unique Selling Points
- A Vintage Porto crafted when a declaration is not made.
- Made from fruit grown in Fonseca’s own estate vineyards.
- A collectible Porto that will develop for decades in the bottle.
“My team and I strive to bring the very best performance out of our vineyards by careful nurturing of the vines, combined with the very best winemaking techniques available.”
David Guimaraens, Winemaker
About the Grape
Tinta Barroca
Used to make Port wines, this high yielding grape has very high sugar content, which makes wines with pronounced floral character, good structure and firm, ripe tannins.
Tinta Cão
This grape has blackberry, game and meaty aromas, and contributes longevity and exceptional elegance to the blend of Port wines.
Tinta Roriz
Tinta Roriz produces deep-colored grapes of moderate acidity which make bold wines with firm tannins, excellent complexity and distinctive resin-like fragrance.
Touriga Franca
This grape has high tannins and is very aromatic; it lends structure and balance to Port wines. It shows intense fresh red fruit, earth and flower aromas, and is very fruity on the palate.
Touriga Nacional
Touriga Nacional produces wine with finesse, body and warmth that is dark, concentrated, massively tannic and aromatic. It ages to show the complex aromas typically found in mature vintage port.
