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Sip of the Day

October 14, 2020

Day #[wpdts-day-of-year start=”post-created”] of the year.

Taylor Fladgate Late Bottled Vintage Porto

October 14th may be National Dessert Day, but I’m not one to skip out on dessert ANY day. I may not wolf down a piece of cake every night after dinner, but I will not go to bed without having my square (or half bar) of dark chocolate. Dark chocolate and wine are a controversial pair, some argue that the bitterness in the chocolate does not pair well with wine. To combat the naysayers of this combination, I’m going to recommend you pick up a bar of Tony’s Chocolate and open a bottle of Taylor Fladgate’s Late Bottled Vintage. Grab the dark Pecan Coconut 51% and the milk caramel sea salt 32% and give them both a try with this wine. The dark chocolate is sweet enough to play with this wine and pair magically with the nuanced flavors of the port. The milk chocolate is for those with a heavy sweet tooth and want that ultra-sweet on sweet flavor profile. Either way, have fun with this dessert inspired science experiment and see what combination you like best!

ORIGIN

Douro, Portugal

Grapes

Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa, Tinto Cão, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca

Tasting Notes

The first impression is of woodland berries and rich, jammy aromas of blackcurrant. Around this dense core of ripe dark berry fruit are leafy scents of mint and wild herbs, a subtle spiciness and fleeting cedary notes of cigar box. The palate is underpinned by firm, linear tannins and lifted by a lively acidity. Thick, luscious cassis flavors blend with raspberry and apricot and carry through into the very long finish. An archetypal Taylor Fladgate Late Bottled Vintage, elegant and restrained, with great quality and purity of fruit.

Food Match

Excellent with fully flavored cheeses, especially blue cheeses such as Stilton or Roquefort. It is also delicious with desserts made with chocolate or berry fruits.

AUTHOR:

Gabrielle Tapia

Gabrielle earned a Level 2 certificate from the Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET) and has continued her wine education by becoming a Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) in 2020. In addition to writing for Wine365, she also provides creative contributions and research analytics.