Fonseca traces its roots back to 1815 when the first purchase of 32 pipes of Port by the firm’s founder, João dos Santos Fonseca was recorded. Located in the historic upper Douro Valley in northeastern Portugal, wine has been produced here since the Roman era with the region becoming known for Port production in the mid-17th century.
Today, their port production is led by Head Winemaker David Guimaraens who is the sixth generation of the Guimaraens family to work for Fonseca. While Fonseca is the only Port house with four 100-point scoring wines, they are widely recognized for their Vintage Ports which have been produced for the last 100 years from their two quintas (estates): Cruzeiro and Santo António in the Pinhão Valley. More recently, Fonesca began sourcing grapes from Panascal. Cruzeiro contributes concentrated black fruit flavours and tannic ‘grip’ while Santo António brings complexity and vibrancy with fine scented character and acidity. Panascal then adds a rich fruitiness and a concentrated velvety texture.