De Bortoli was founded in 1928 by Vittorio and Giuseppina Bortoli. From the time the original founder, Vittorio De Bortoli, began making wine, to his son, Deen, and now in the hands of the third generation, the key has been to create interesting wines with charm and character. De Bortoli has pioneered many different wine styles and varietals, constantly seeking out what suits each of the vineyards they own in the Yarra Valley. From the original plantings of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and Riesling, the vineyard has expanded to include Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, and more recently, lesser-known varieties such as Pinot Blanc, Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, Gamay, and Nebbiolo. While Pinot Noir and Chardonnay may be the company's mainstays, it is these newer varieties, and especially the Italian varieties, that excite the family with their potential for the future.
The Shiraz and Grenache grapes are only harvested when they are very ripe and have developed sufficient flavor concentration. After this, the grapes are crushed and partially fermented to retain some sweetness. Fermentation is stopped by adding alcohol. The wine is then pressed and aged in small and large oak barrels. Several vintages are blended to achieve an average age of eight years.
The 8-Year-Old Fine Tawny has a deep, rich brown color with exalted aromas of ripe dark fruit and nuts, along with barrel-aged characters. Beautifully integrated fruit, almond, chocolate, and nutty flavors, along with the barrel-aged characters, create a lingering, flavorful finish. Enjoy it after a meal with a platter of cheese, dried fruit, and nuts.
