375 ML Kopke Colheita 1987 Tawny

Notes: Every wine tells a story. Kopke's Colheitas, however, tell a unique story. To taste a wine is to taste history and, in the case of this 1987 Colheita, it means remembering a remarkable event like the celebration of the racing driver Nelson Piquet's third championship in Formula 1.

Winemaking: Hand-picked at the optimum time, the grapes are then destemmed, crushed and converted into wine through a process of careful maceration to extract their colour, tannins and aromas, enhanced by constant churning during fermentation. This takes place in vats (lagares) at a controlled temperature (between 28-30°C) until the right degree of sweetness (baumé) is achieved. At this point, grape brandy is added to create the final fortified wine. A wine of high quality, made from one single harvest. A Colheita wine matures in oak barrels for periods of time that can vary, but never less than 7 years. It is then bottled and sold according to the demands of the market.

Tasting Notes: Bright red colour with a golden rim. A rich and aromatic nose made up of dried fruit, hazelnut and walnut, well combined with hints of spice. In the mouth, intense, smooth and delicious flavours of dried fruit are offset by a fresh note of candied orange peel. Good structure, fine balance and remarkable acidity. A pleasant and enduring finish.

Recommendations: Served chilled, it reveals all its finesse and sophistication, especially when drunk with desserts made with caramel, dried fruit and spice, such as caramel fondant with apple and ginger jelly, tarte tatin, crème brulée and medium-strength cheeses. Best served at a temperature between 12 and 14°C.