Introduction:
The Barros 20 Years Old Tawny Porto offers a deeply mature, elegant expression of Douro Valley fortified wine. With two decades of cask‑ageing, it brings together the richness of ripe fruit with the refinement of oxidative maturation.
Terroir:
From the terraces of the Douro Valley in Portugal, the grapes for this port are grown on schist and granite soils, often planted on steep slopes (“vinha ao alto”) which add to tension and minerality even after long ageing.
Appearance:
In the glass the wine appears amber‑brick with glints of deep gold, indicating extended cask time and significant development of tertiary aromas.
Nose:
You’ll find an inviting bouquet of candied orange peel, dried figs and apricots, along with toasted almonds, hazelnuts, a touch of caramel and warm spice (clove, cinnamon). Hints of old leather and subtle smoky oak appear in the background.
Palate:
The palate is smooth and layered: rich prune and raisin fruit, dark chocolate, toffee, and coffee bean over a foundation of bright tangy acidity that keeps it lively. The texture is velvety, the body full but refined, with a beautifully integrated alcohol warmth (≈20 % ABV) that never overpowers.
Finish:
The finish is long and quietly intense—dried orange peel, walnut skins, a touch of saline minerality and lingering spice carry on. The tannins are soft, more supportive than drying, giving structure without bitterness.
Overall Impression:
This Barros 20-Year Tawny is a superb example of aged tawny port—it balances opulence and refinement, depth and freshness. Ideal as a contemplative sipper or paired with rich desserts or cheese. Ready now but will hold effortlessly for years.
Food Pairing Suggestions:
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Meat dish: Glazed duck breast with orange‑spice reduction or slow‑roasted pork belly with fig compote — the wine’s dried fruit and spice interplay beautifully with rich savoury flavours.
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Vegetarian option: Warm pear & gorgonzola tart with toasted walnuts or roasted sweet potato with maple and pecans — the wine’s nutty caramel and dried‑fruit tones resonate with these ingredients.
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Cheese pairing: A mature Stilton or aged Comté — the wine’s sweetness, acidity and nutty complexity stand up to strong, savoury cheeses without being overpowered.
Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): ~20%
Farming Practices: Traditional Douro viticulture (vineyards on old terraces)
Producer Name: Barros
Old World / New World: Old World
Country of Origin: Portugal
Region: Douro Valley (Porto)
Grape Varietals: Blend of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca (among others)
Vintage: Non‑vintage — matured for an average of 20 years in seasoned oak
Wine Style: Sweet fortified red; dried‑fruit laden, nutty, caramel‑spiced and full‑bodied.
Winemaking Techniques: Fortification during fermentation, followed by extended ageing in small oak casks (often “pipes”) under oxidative conditions, then blending and bottling.
Pack Size: 750 ml
Container Style: Standard glass bottle
Closure Style: Cork