Tawny port is a fortified wine that is made from red grapes, primarily Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Tinta Roriz, in the Douro Valley of Portugal.
Tawny port is aged in oak barrels, which exposes the wine to gradual oxidation and evaporation, resulting in a lighter color and a more complex flavour profile.
Tawny port is typically lighter in color than other types of port, with hues ranging from golden to amber. The wine has a complex aroma and flavour profile, with notes of nuts, caramel, toffee, and dried fruit, such as figs and raisins. The longer the tawny port is aged, the more pronounced these flavours become, with older tawnies exhibiting a more mellow, nutty character.
Tawny port is typically aged for several years, and the age of the wine is indicated on the label. A "10-year-old" tawny has been aged for a minimum of 10 years in oak barrels, while a "20-year-old" tawny has been aged for at least 20 years. Some tawnies are aged for even longer periods, with the most prestigious and expensive tawnies being aged for several decades.
Tawny port is typically served slightly chilled as an after-dinner drink, and it pairs well with a variety of desserts, including nut-based desserts, fruit tarts, and cheese plates. It can also be used in cooking, particularly in savory dishes like sauces and stews.
Tawny port should be consumed within a few weeks of opening, as it can begin to lose its freshness and flavour after prolonged exposure to air.