Carlos Alonso, 'Piano Fine Tawny' Port, NV, Porto (DOC)

'One-Liner'
A beautifully mellow Tawny Port with warming spice, delicate dried fruit and a lovely nutty richness, all wrapped up in a smooth, lingering finish.

Tasting Note
Warm amber-red in the glass, with inviting aromas of dried fruit, gentle spice and a subtle touch of oak. The palate is soft and elegant, bringing together sweet dried fruits, a hint of toasted nuts and the gentle warmth of wood ageing. Ripe, rounded tannins provide just enough structure to balance the wine's natural sweetness without overpowering its delicate character. Wonderfully smooth and harmonious, with a long, warming finish that makes it a lovely way to round off a meal.

Country: Portugal
Region: Douro
Sub-Region: Porto DOC
Grape(s): Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca
ABV: 19.5%
Friendly: Vegan, Vegetarian, Sustainable

Awards & Critics' Scores
n/a

The Story
Founded in 1985, Carlos Alonso Douro Wine Company is an independent, family-owned producer based in Alijó, in the heart of Portugal's remarkable Douro Valley. The Alonso family has built its reputation on combining traditional Douro winemaking with a more modern outlook, something reflected in their Piano range, a collection inspired by the harmony between innovation and heritage. The vineyards lie in the Cima Corgo, on the right bank of the Douro River, where steep slopes, shale-rich soils and elevations averaging around 450 metres provide the setting for some of the region's most celebrated wines. While their Fine Ruby Port celebrates the youthful vibrancy of dark fruit, 'Piano Fine Tawny' takes a gentler, more mellow approach. Following traditional Port vinification, the wine is matured in oak, with the final blend bringing together wines aged between two and five years, averaging around four years in total. This time in wood gradually softens the wine and develops its characteristic dried fruit and spice aromas, while retaining enough freshness to keep everything beautifully balanced. Approachable, elegant and wonderfully versatile, it is particularly enjoyable served slightly chilled alongside a good dessert or a selection of mature cheeses.

Perfect With... (click me for the recipe)
- Meat/fish: Chicken liver parfait with orange marmalade and toasted sourdough
- Vegetarian: Walnut tart
- Vegan: Vegan apple tarte tatin with orange and cinnamon