Producer · Douro, Portugal

Sandeman

Sandeman began in London in 1790, when George Sandeman, a young Scot from Perth, borrowed three hundred pounds from his father and set up in the wine trade, dealing in the wines of Porto and Jerez. The house got in early on much that later became standard, and it was among the first to brand its casks and to bottle and label its own port.

Today it belongs to Sogrape, Portugal's largest family-owned wine company, and its aged tawnies, matured in the old lodges at Vila Nova de Gaia across the river from Porto, are widely regarded as a benchmark for the style. A 20 Year Old tawny from the house shows why: two decades of average cask age in one glass, all walnut and dried fruit, with gentle spice on the finish.

Winery at Valença do Douro · Tinta Amarela, Tinta Barroca, Tinto Roriz, Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Tinto Cão · £56.95 a bottle