Vineyards and winemaking
Azul 10 Year Old Tawny is blended from Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz and Tinta Barroca grown in the Douro’s schist soils. The grapes ripen in hot, dry conditions with a wide difference between daytime and night-time temperatures, developing the richness and structure required for Port.
Harvested into small 20-kilogram boxes, the fruit is selected before fermentation and traditional foot treading in granite lagares. Grape spirit is added to arrest fermentation, and the component wines mature in oak casks and old wooden tonéis. The final blend has an average age of ten years, combining mature complexity with retained freshness.
Tasting notes
Appearance
Brick red fading to tawny amber, with distinct brown highlights.
Nose
Walnut, almond and ripe plum are joined by raisin, toffee, coffee and a gentle note of dried orange peel.
Palate
Silky and beautifully balanced, with flavours of dried cherry, caramel and roasted nuts. Sweetness is lifted by fresh acidity, while seasoned oak brings spice and a mellow, warming complexity to the long finish.
Food pairing
Serve slightly chilled with a Bakewell tart, apple tarte tatin, walnut cake or blue cheese such as Stilton. Its nutty character also makes it an elegant after-dinner glass alongside roasted almonds.
Background story
This Port is produced by Vieira de Sousa under winemaker Luisa Borges. The family’s traditional lagares and long oak maturation connect the wine to the established practices of the Douro, while careful blending maintains a consistent house character.
A ten-year age statement refers to the average age and sensory character of the final blend rather than a single harvest. Younger parcels contribute freshness and fruit, while older wines bring the walnut, caramel and dried-fruit notes that define mature Tawny Port.
