Tinta Cao

Tinta Cao photos, charts, maps, and wines.

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Tinta Cão, which translates to “Red Dog,” is a grape variety which is rediscovering its bark. This premium black grape in Port production had almost vanished from the vineyards of northern Portugal’s Douro Valley, despite its lengthy read more...history there. Tinta Cão’s decline was more tied to its reluctance to bear a sizable crop, rather than any issues with its varietal character.

Now, however, Tinta Cão is making a comeback, with acknowledgment of the fact that the variety is amongst the very best of the more than 50 approved Port grapes, though it is not one of the deepest colored. Tinta Cão is also grown in the Dão region of Portugal, where it contributes to the region’s sturdy red wines. In California, it has been planted experimentally at UC Davis, and it is increasingly making its way into that state’s more traditionally made 'Port' styled wines.

It’s no surprise many view you as the runt of the Port Wine litter with your small yields, low alcohol levels, and a name that translates to “red dog.” You may not be the master of the Douro house, but your personality brings a welcome lightheartedness to your burley Touriga home owners. Your character is like fresh flowers in the rocky and rugged landscape you call home. Tinta Cão, you’re certainly Port’s best friend.

Varietal Character by Joel Mann    (hide)

Sheilis reviewed Pocas Pink NV:

October 2009

Sheilis

Pocas Pink NV

Starting at $8^.00 Snoothrank: 3/5

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Magnum152 reviewed Fonseca Vintage Port 1992:

September 2008

Magnum152

excellent .. i like de sweet taste!

Fonseca Vintage Port 1992

Starting at $169^.94 Snoothrank: 4.5/5

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Reds4Me reviewed Robert Hall Port Paso Robles 2005:

March 2008

Reds4Me

Robert Hall Port Paso Robles 2005

Starting at $34^.00 Snoothrank: 3/5

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vipssy reviewed Fonseca Vintage Port 1977:

December 2007

vipssy

I had been saving this bottle for a couple of years, and unexpectedly opened it during a crazy afternoon of great conversation and excellent company. Just perfect combination for an excellent wine, this port indeed has...

Fonseca Vintage Port 1977

Starting at $219^.95 Snoothrank: 4.5/5

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Cellar Maven reviewed Fonseca Vintage Port 1977:

October 2007

Cellar Maven

Its a shame that I only had the opportunity to taste this legendary vintage too early - in the early 1980's. Even then it was clearly a stellar port: rich, fruity, powerful - a vintage to lay down for decades...even the...

Fonseca Vintage Port 1977

Starting at $219^.95 Snoothrank: 4.5/5

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Roy Hersh reviewed Fonseca Vintage Port 1977:

August 2007

Roy Hersh

This was the grand finale on the fabulous first evening at The Woodlands at Nemacolin Resort in PA. We did not do it justice as this needs LOTS of decanting time and this was my fault, as it did not get decanted ahead and...

Fonseca Vintage Port 1977

Starting at $219^.95 Snoothrank: 4.5/5

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Roy Hersh reviewed Fonseca Vintage Port 1992:

July 2007

Roy Hersh

Although I have had this VP only a handful of times in the past, it was the first bottle I’ve ever opened from my own cellar. Decanted for 7 hours, and consumed over the following three. Very dark ruby in color. Scents...

Fonseca Vintage Port 1992

Starting at $169^.94 Snoothrank: 4.5/5

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Robert Parker reviewed Fonseca Vintage Port 1977:

November 1989

Robert Parker

Fonseca is one of the great port lodges, producing the most exotic and most complex port. If Fonseca lacks the sheer weight and power of a Taylor, Dow or Warre, or the opulent sweetness and intensity of a Graham, it excels...

Fonseca Vintage Port 1977

Starting at $219^.95 Snoothrank: 4.5/5

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