10 YEARS OLD TAWNY
Tawnies with an age indication such as "10 years" are blended from different wines averaging 10 years. The prolonged ageing in small wooden casks confers the characteristic Tawny colour. The principle features of an aged tawny are the complexity of aromas, the freshness and a persistent bouquet and refinement.
After dinner, 10 years old tawny is a good match with cheeses and especially chocolate based desserts. It can also be drunk as an aperitif, served at room temperature or lightly chilled.
In 2003, Wine Spectator distinguished Niepoort 10 years old tawny with an outstanding classification of 95 (out of 100 points).
VINIFICATION
The tawnies are aged in small old oak casks, (550 l), in the cellars at Vila Nova de Gaia, over many years.
The balanced marriage of the different characteristics and diverse ages is the art of the Niepoort master blender José Nogueira.
TASTING NOTES
Tawny in colour, with aromas of dried apricots and crystallized tangerine peel well integrated with a nutty character.
“The palate reveals dried fruits with a fiery spirity finish. With a great structure and a long finish. This offers amazing aromas of orange and lemon peel, with hints of toffee, caramel and honey. Fullbodied and luscious, with lots of sweet fruit and a long subtle finish that goes on and on. This is really the benchmark for 10-year-old tawnies." Tasting notes from James Suckling in June-2003.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
PRODUCER
Niepoort (Vinhos) S.A.
REGION
Douro
SOIL TYPE
Schist
VINEYARDS
Vinha da Pisca, Vale do Pinhão e Ferrão
AVERAGE VINE AGE
Over 60 years
GRAPE VARIETIES
Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinto Cão, Tinta Francisca, Tinta Amarela, Sousão, Tinta Roriz and others
VINES PER HA
4000-6000
HARVEST METHOD
Hand-picked
FERMENTATION
Lagares/Foot Treading
AGEING
Small old oak casks
DRY EXTRACT
106.3
ALCOHOL
20
BAUMÉ
3.6
PH
3.65
TOTAL ACIDITY
3.8
