| Region of production: | Douro |
| Winery Location: | Vila Nova de Gaia |
| Year Established: | 1815 |
Vineyard Holdings
- Quinta do Panascal (44 ha): Grade A vineyard located in Cima Corgo reaching up to 400 meters above sea level. This was one of the first properties in Távora to be certified organic. Provides the backbone for Fonseca’s Vintage Port. Purchased in 1978.
- Quinta de Cruzeiro (13 ha): Grade A vineyard located in Pinhão. Used in Vintage Port since 1912, though not fully purchased until 1973.
- Quinta de Santo Antonio (12 ha): West-facing vineyard in Pinhão one kilometer north of Cruzeiro. Most of the vineyard was replanted in the early 2000s and is certified organic as of 2010.
Top Wines Produced & Inaugural Vintages
- Vintage Ruby: Primarily sourced from the house’s three quintas. Inaugural vintage 1840.
- Guimarãens Vintage Ruby: Similar to the Vintage Ruby but made in early maturing years with less powerful components.
- Quinta do Panascal: Only produced in non-declared years. Inaugural vintage 1978.
Summary
Present-day Fonseca was formally founded in 1815, when Manuel Pedro Guimarãens, who had been trading for the company, purchased majority stake of the original Fonseca, Monteiro & Co. The sale stipulated that the Fonseca name be kept (the official company name is Fonseca Guimarãens). The house was purchased outright by the Guimarãens in 1863, and they retained ownership until the Yeatman family of Taylor Fladgate purchased the firm in 1948. David Guimarãens, the winemaker, is the family’s sixth generation to make Fonseca wines. The Guimarãens continue to operate the facility and have been responsible for every vintage made to date, resulting in stylistic consistency and overall high quality through the years.
Style & Vinification Techniques
Grapes are hand-harvested and crushed by foot in traditional granite lagares. The house has long had a reputation for its bold, rich style.
Producer Website: Fonseca Porto