Each shipper has developed a house style and particular range of Tawny Ports. By careful selection and blending of wines from different vineyards and lots, quality is maintained. Serious houses have stocks of very old wines held in reserve. The aging and blending of Tawny Port is a fine art. When a tawny ages, it becomes golden in color, smooth in taste and has a unique aroma of nuts, almonds and ripe fruits.
Tawnies are wines of great finesse and complexity which deserve a place in every restaurant.
Before 1970, shippers had one or more special Tawny Ports which were very old but did not mention the age on the label. Producers took the opportunity to re-label existing wines because it provided more information to the consumer. At the time this Port was 12 to 15 years old. Today, it is sold as 10 year old Tawny although the blend has not changed. Similarly, Quinta do Bom Retiro became the 20 year old tawny of Ramos Pinto.