NV Real Companhia Velha Porto Quinado over 60YO

[Alex Bridgeman]

A cask sample from 16,000 litres found in some old casks belonging to the Uncle of Pedro Silva Reis, the port believed to have been sourced from the Vale du Bragao.

Dark peach in colour with a golden ginger rim, 20% opaque. On the nose this is perfumed but also slightly medicinal with sweet lychee fruit and a streak of slightly bitter rosemary oil. Dry on the palate; fruity but distinctly dry in style. A hint of the medicinal tone shows on the palate but the port has a lovely elegance and delicacy to it. Perfumed fruit but still with hints of dryness which could be from the tannins and a delicious sweet peach finish. A wonderful port. Served blind this was guessed to be an old garrafeira from Royal Oporto.

When it was revealed as a Porto Quinado the dryness was explained. Quinine is added to the fermentation to provide the additional flavour. Porto Quinado is a recognised form of port under the IVDP regulations but this is the first time I have tried this style of port. 93/100. Decanted 29-Sep-16. Pop 'n' pour.