During the January following each vintage, Fonseca sets aside a reserve of very concentrated, powerful vintage quality red ports, selected and judged according to their ageing potential. Fonseca Tawny spends three years ageing in small wooden casks in Fonseca's cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia. As tawny ports age, they grow lighter in colour, as they throw their deposit in the cask rather than in the bottle. The process of racking contributes to the oxidation process whereby the wine's fruit qualities gradually diminish and its nutty characteristics are acquired. After the three years of ageing the wines are then blended together a few months before bottling for balance and harmony. Fonseca aged tawnies are bottled for immediate drinking. Tawny-red colour fading to brick on the rim. The seductive nose displays aromas of apricot and plum with mellow undertones of butterscotch and spice. On the palate, the rich jammy flavours are lifted on the finish by an attractive crisp acidity.