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Tinta Cão
Tinto Cao is one of the five “noble grape” that are used in Port wine production, due to its ability to produce high-quality wines.
Colour, Aromas and Taste Profile
Tinto Cao is a black-skinned grape variety grown in the Portuguese Douro Valley. It is a cross between the indigenous Portuguese varieties Tinta Amarela and Bastardo. The variety is known for its intense, dark colour and its tannic structure, with aromas of blackberries, dark cherries, and prunes. It has a medium body with flavours of dark plums, spiciness, black pepper, and a hint of violets.
Regional Features & Food Pairings
Tinto Cao is mainly grown in the Douro Valley, Portugal. It is well-suited to the region’s warm climate and soils, and is often blended with other varieties such as Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Tinta Roriz. Tinto Cao is a vigorous variety, and is best-suited to low-yielding vineyards. It needs to be pruned severely to ensure that the fruit ripens properly. The grapes are usually harvested in late September to early October and are fermented in stainless steel tanks. In the Douro region, Tinto Cao is used to produce full-bodied red wines with a high alcohol content. The wines are typically aged in large oak casks for a minimum of two years, resulting in wines with intense tannins and a long finish. Tinto Cao is a great food pairing wine. It pairs well with red meats such as steak, as well as game meats and intensely flavoured dishes. It can also be enjoyed with hard cheeses such as Manchego.
Foods to pair with Tinta Cão:
Smoky
Cheese
Beef
Game
Fun Fact about Tinta Cão
Tinto Cao is sometimes referred to as a “noble grape” due to its ability to produce high-quality wines.
Top Wines with Tinta Cão
Taylor's 10 Year Old Tawny Port
Taylor's
Taylor's 10 Year Old Tawny Port is a premium fortified wine produced by Taylor's, a renowned winery in the Douro Valley of Portugal. The wine is made from a blend of high-quality grapes grown in the region's steep terraced vineyards, which benefit from the unique microclimate and soil conditions. The winemaking process involves aging the wine in oak barrels for a minimum of 10 years, resulting in a complex and elegant wine with a rich amber color and a bouquet of dried fruits, nuts, and spices. The wine has a smooth and velvety texture, with a balanced sweetness and acidity, making it a perfect accompaniment to desserts or cheese. Taylor's 10 Year Old Tawny Port is a true masterpiece of Portuguese winemaking, showcasing the region's rich history and traditions.
Read more Food Pairing:
Chocolate Dessert
Dessert
Nuts
Cheese
W. & J. Graham's Six Grapes Reserve Ruby Port
W. & J. Graham's
W. & J. Graham's Six Grapes Reserve Ruby Port is a delightful fortified wine that showcases the expertise of the renowned Graham's winery. Crafted in the Douro Valley, Portugal, this wine is made from a selection of the finest grapes grown in the region's vineyards. The winemaking process involves traditional methods, including fermentation in granite lagares and aging in oak barrels. The result is a rich and full-bodied ruby port with luscious flavors of dark fruits, chocolate, and spice. With its smooth and velvety texture, Six Grapes Reserve Ruby Port is perfect for savoring on its own or pairing with desserts and cheeses.
Read more Food Pairing:
Cheese
Chocolate Dessert
Dessert
Nuts
Taylor's 20 Year Old Tawny Port
Taylor's
Taylor's 20 Year Old Tawny Port is a premium fortified wine produced by Taylor's, a renowned producer of Port wines. This wine is made from grapes grown in the Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its steep terraced vineyards and unique microclimate. The grapes are carefully selected and aged in oak barrels for at least twenty years, resulting in a complex and elegant wine with notes of dried fruits, nuts, and spices. The winemaking process involves traditional techniques such as foot treading and careful blending to achieve the desired style. This Tawny Port is a perfect example of the style, with a smooth and silky texture, balanced sweetness, and a long, lingering finish. It is a great choice for special occasions or as a gift for wine lovers.
Read more Food Pairing:
Foie Gras
Chocolate Dessert
Dessert
Nuts
Cheese
Dow's Fine Tawny Port
Dow's
Dow's Fine Tawny Port is a delightful fortified wine that showcases the expertise of its producer. Crafted in the renowned appellation, this Port is made from carefully selected grapes grown in exceptional vineyards. The vineyard features contribute to the wine's exceptional quality, with ideal soil and climate conditions that enhance the grapes' flavors. The winemaking process involves meticulous attention to detail, including aging the wine in oak barrels to develop its unique character. The result is a Tawny Port with a smooth and elegant style, boasting rich flavors of dried fruits, nuts, and a hint of caramel.
Read more Food Pairing:
Cheese
Chocolate Dessert
Dessert
Nuts
Pork
Dow's 10 Years Old Tawny Port
Dow's
Dow's 10 Years Old Tawny Port is a delightful fortified wine that showcases the expertise of its producer. Crafted in a renowned appellation, this Port is made from grapes grown in exceptional vineyards. The vineyard features contribute to the wine's unique character, with the terroir lending distinct flavors and aromas. The winemaking process involves aging the wine for a decade, resulting in a smooth and well-balanced profile. This Tawny Port exhibits a rich amber color and offers a harmonious blend of dried fruits, nuts, and subtle spices. Its elegant and refined style makes it a perfect choice for those seeking a sophisticated and enjoyable drinking experience.
Read more Food Pairing:
Cheese
Chocolate Dessert
Dessert
Nuts
Pork