Port Tour in Villa Nova de Gaia

》#5 White
》#6 Tawney Reserve
》#7 LBV 2019

Vasques de Carvalho

In the summer of 2018 this company opened a very beautiful lodge in Gaia – the wine isn’t aging here, you will not find any barrels… so therefore it might make more sense to call it a sales shop.

The lodge of Vasques de Carvalho is located in the total center of Gaia – but somehow it is just a few meters off the usual way that tourists take when they discover Gaia.

You will find some wine from 1880 in the 40 year old Port! It’s only a little bit that finds its way into the 40 year old Tawny – but that is what makes so much difference.

^Vasques de Carvalho 20 years White Port: On the nose, it immediately shows all its seduction with notes of honey, dried fruits and spices. In the mouth it is powerful and reveals great greasiness and elegance. Some vanilla, good quality wood and liquorice are supported by firm acidity and good structure. The finish is long and sweet.

Pairings:
Fish - smoked salmon, shellfish, and sushi
Alongside a tray of Gruyere, olives, and charcuterie
Fresh fruit themes: angel cake with strawberries, lemon meringue, peaches in cream, or white chocolate covered strawberries

^Vasques de Carvalho 40 years Tawny Port: Amber colour with golden and greenish notes. Caramel and honey aromas. The presence of dried fruit and some iodine, is surrounded by a slight "vinagrinho" so typical of the old Tawny. The palate is elegant, but powerful and intense at the same time. It is a wine that presents an extraordinary bouquet, which embodies the grandeur of the great Port wines aged for decades in cask. Spices, roasted coffee, fine wood and elegant, the velvety honey and caramel, make this wine an authentic experience for the senses.

Pairings:
All sorts of nutty delights - pecan pie, almond biscotti, or regionally-inspired Portuguese salted almond cake Classic desserts - Caramel covered cheesecake, German Chocolate Cake, cinnamon-crusted apple pie, crème brûlée, and coconut cream pie
Cheeses - Smoked cheddar, Pecorino, and aged Manchego

^Vasques de Carvalho LBV Port 2019:
Vinho Grandes Escolhas - Very dark and deep red colour. Intense and powerful both in fragrance and taste. Soft and round tannins.

Pairings:
Cheeses - Aged Parmesan and the classic Stilton
All things chocolate - German chocolate cake, homemade chocolate sauce, molten chocolate lava cake, chocolate bread puddingLæs mere