NV Quevedo Tawny 10YO Tinta Francisca (bottled 2022)

[Alex Bridgeman]

Single varietal, harvested in 2012 and kept in 1,000 litres barrels to develop. Tinta Francisca is a variety that Quevedo is planting more of, despite its vulnerability to disease and climatic conditions.

Bottled in 9cl in 2022 for the Advent calendar.

Much lighter red than the 10yo blend tasted alongside, much less black in the tone of the colour. Slightly cloudy so difficult to estimate the opacity. Gentle on the nose, some sweet cocktail cherry and a lovely dried flower scent. A little light in weight on entry, but lovely fruit and gentle tannins on the mid-palate. The depth of fruit is good, ripe and with generous acidity. Floral fruit on the aftertaste, some heat from the acidity leads to a long menthol finish. A very interesting wine to try and very enjoyable to drink, but this shows why this is a great grape to use to blend in Port.  87/100. Drunk 12-Feb-23. Decanted ½ hour.