Fonseca Quinta Panascal Port 2008

Fonseca Quinta Panascal Port 2008, Producer

Fonseca is one of the great names of the Douro, famed for its richness, depth and unmistakably hedonistic style of Vintage Port. Since the 19th century, the house has been associated with powerful, fruit-driven Ports that age beautifully. Quinta do Panascal, located in the Távora Valley and acquired by Fonseca in 1978, is the jewel of the estate portfolio. Known for producing exceptionally ripe, voluptuous and aromatic fruit, Panascal often forms the backbone of Fonseca’s declared vintage blends. In years like 2008, when the quinta shows outstanding purity and expression, Fonseca chooses to bottle it as a Single Quinta Vintage Port — a vivid snapshot of the estate’s character and a more accessible way to experience Fonseca’s opulent style.

Fonseca Quinta Panascal Port 2008, Terroir & Winemaking

The vineyards at Panascal lie on steep, terraced slopes overlooking the Távora River, with classic Douro schist soils that force the vines deep and concentrate flavour. The 2008 season brought a cool, steady ripening period, ideal for developing aromatics and structure. Fonseca continues to use traditional foot-treading in stone lagares, ensuring gentle extraction and preserving the quinta’s hallmark richness. After fortification with grape spirit, the wine matured briefly in oak before bottling unfiltered as a Single Quinta Vintage Port. The result is a wine with the depth and longevity of a classic Fonseca Vintage, but with a single-estate focus and slightly earlier approachability.

Fonseca Quinta Panascal Port 2008, Tasting Notes

Panascal 2008 opens with a seductive bouquet of blackberry compote, wild blueberries, plum and dark cherry, woven with notes of violets, cocoa and warm spice. On the palate, it is plush, full-bodied and richly textured (classic Fonseca generosity) supported by ripe tannins and a velvety structure. Hints of liquorice, fig, crushed schist and dark chocolate unfold with aeration. The finish is long, sweet-fruited and beautifully harmonious, showing both power and finesse. Already drinking beautifully, but with the structure to age gracefully for two decades or more.

Food Pairing Suggestion

Try with Stilton, aged Gouda, flourless chocolate cake, roasted pecans, or simply sip slowly by itself after dinner.

Did you know?

Quinta do Panascal was one of the first Douro estates to open a dedicated visitor centre, still one of the most atmospheric and picturesque vineyard tours in the region.