Dalva 10 year old Decanter Portugal Port Wine 75 cl 20%

Ten years in oak does something to a port. The colour drifts towards amber, the fruit turns to compote, and the sharp edges wear smooth. Dalva has been making port in Vila Nova de Gaia, right by the Douro river, since 1862, and this is the house's take on a tawny that has found its feet.

Expert description

Dalva 10 Years Old Tawny Port is a Port Wine from the Douro in Portugal with an alcohol content of 20%.

It is an Aged Tawny, where "10 years" is an average across many different casks in the blend. Not every drop in the bottle is exactly ten years old, but the whole has the character of ten. The wine has matured in oak casks, so it has met a little air all the way through, which is why it ends up golden with red hints rather than deep ruby.

It is ready to drink the moment you open it. No cellar, no patience, no decanting.

Tasting notes

Nose

Fruit compote and toasted nuts, with a touch of honey and warm spices.

Palate

Soft and balanced. The fruit is ripe, the spices sit just under the surface, and a small bite of pepper keeps it all awake.

Finish

Fresh and long. It lingers without getting heavy.

Serving & Food Pairing

Serve at 14-16 degrees in a port glass. It does not belong on ice, but a little chill suits it. Decanting is not necessary.

Try it with nut cake, a crème brûlée or a mild blue cheese. Or have it on its own when the evening is winding down. An opened bottle keeps for a couple of weeks up to a month if stored cold and well sealed.

Specifications

Name: Dalva 10 Years Old Tawny Port
Producer/Winery: Dalva
Region/Country: Douro, Portugal
Appellation/Classification: Porto, Aged Tawny 10 years
Vintage: Non-vintage (NV)
ABV: 20%
Size: 75 CL
Oak-aged: Oak casks, average age 10 years
Serving temperature: 14-16 degrees
Decanting recommended: No
Glass type: Port glass
EAN no.: 5603003009404

Flavour profile

Nutty · Fruity · Spicy · Balanced · Silky

Did you know?

Dalva is simply "da Silva" in short form. The house's founder, Clemente da Silva, is still on the bottle: the small golden profile at the top of the label is his silhouette, right above the signature.

Frequently asked questions about Dalva 10 Years Old Tawny Port

What does Dalva 10 Years Old Tawny Port taste like?

Soft and fruity with notes of compote, nuts, honey and spices. There is a small bite of pepper and a fresh, long finish. It is neither heavy nor sticky, so it also suits you if you do not usually drink port.

What does "10 Years Old" mean on a tawny?

It is an average. Dalva blends wines from different casks and ages, so the taste matches a port of roughly ten years. It is not required that every drop is exactly ten years old.

How do I serve it?

At 14-16 degrees in a port glass. It does not need decanting. If the room is warm, put the bottle in the fridge for about half an hour first.

What should I drink it with?

Nut cake and egg-based desserts, such as crème brûlée, are obvious choices. It also holds up well next to a mild blue cheese. Or simply on its own after dinner.

How long does an opened bottle keep?

A couple of weeks up to a month, if stored cold and properly sealed. Tawny matures with air in the casks and therefore tolerates more than, say, a Vintage Port.

Who is behind Dalva?

Dalva is a port house from Vila Nova de Gaia, founded in 1862. The name is short for "da Silva", and the bottle carries the house motto: Distinctive Port.