Fonseca LBV 2019

Established in 1815, Fonseca belongs to the first line of Vintage Port wine producing houses. It is recognized for the consistency in the quality and style of its Vintages, produced by the Guimaraens family, over five generations, since its foundation.
This consistency is the result of continuous family involvement, knowledge and technical competence passed down from generation to generation, but it is also the result of close proximity to the vineyard. The company’s three properties – Quinta do Cruzeiro, Panascal and Santo António – are at the heart of the distinctive character of its Vintage Ports.
Fonseca’s respect for the vineyard and the Douro region is expressed in the firm’s leadership position in the area of sustainable viticulture. Fonseca was the first house to present, in 2006, a Port wine entirely produced from organic grapes.
It is the only Port wine house with four wines rated at 100 Points. Perhaps more than any other house, Fonseca has built a loyal community of Port wine enthusiasts who value their individuality and the inimitable character of their wines.

The Wine

After a warm and dry dormant period, the vineyard cycle started slightly early with budbreak occurring on March 9, about a week earlier than usual. Overall, the growing season was drier and cooler than average, although the usual April rains were quite heavy, with about 98 mm of precipitation as the grapes began to color as usual in mid-July. Although the ripening season began with high temperatures, the weather in the critical month of August was cooler than average, with some precipitation on the 25th and 26th that balanced the ripening of the vintage. The relatively cool conditions and lack of heat spikes translated into the elegance, lively acidity and fresh fruitiness found in the 2019 wines. The harvest of red grapes in the upper Douro began in warm weather on September 4 and in the Pinhão area on September 14. The harvest was perfectly healthy and in excellent condition, although yields were almost a tenth below the 10-year average. The wines were attractively aromatic, with high natural acidity and above normal color intensity. The harvest started at Quinta do Panascal in the Távora Valley on September 18th and on the 20th at Quinta do Cruzeiro with extraordinarily healthy grapes. The harvest was briefly suspended during a short period of rain on the night of September 21st, 8mm, which was insufficient to interfere with the quality of the wines being made. Perfect weather conditions resumed and the harvest at Quinta do Santo António was postponed until early October. Excellent wines were made until the end of the harvest.

Tasting Notes

Deep purple core with red lip. Rich, seductive and very fragrant nose. Notes of blackberry, plum and wild raspberry and licorice, it presents a wonderful tension. Blackberries add an additional layer of soft, fleshy fruit, raspberry and currant mix, with a hint of floral sweetness. On the palate, spices, blackberries, Assam tea with its notes of dark chocolate, cocoa and a seductive herbaceous touch. It has an excellent tension, concentration of wild black berries, silky tannins and a fresh and fulgent finish, with a very long and generous finish.

Endnotes

Region: Douro
Country: Portugal
Producer: Fonseca
Winemaker: David Guimaraens
Service Temperature: between 16ºC and 18ºC
Pairing: Fonseca’s LBV is the perfect end to any meal. It is an excellent accompaniment to intense cheeses, especially blue cheeses such as Stilton or Roquefort. It’s also delicious with chocolate or berry desserts.