Taylor Fladgate Fine Ruby NV

Winery Background and History

Taylor Fladgate, officially Taylor, Fladgate & Yeatman, was founded in 1692 in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal, and remains one of the most respected independent Port houses.  Over centuries, Taylor has produced a full portfolio of Ports — vintage, tawny, white, LBV, and ruby styles — always emphasizing balance between richness, structure, and elegance.  The “Fine Ruby” is their entry-level ruby Port in the “Wood Aged / Full-Bodied & Fruity” category. 

Producer and Wine Maker

Taylor Fladgate’s blending and aging team oversees the Fine Ruby style. They select wines from their Douro vineyard sources (especially from Cima Corgo and Douro Superior) and age them in large oak vats for around two to three years before blending and bottling.  The technique aims to preserve fruitiness and youthful character rather than heavy oxidative aging. 

Vineyards and Micro Climate

The grapes used in Fine Ruby come from multiple vineyard zones in the Douro, including Cima Corgo and Douro Superior.  The Douro region is characterized by hot summers, cold winters, steep terraces, and schist soils, which favor concentration and minerality. 

Vinification & Aging Methods

Fermentation is carried out until partial sugar conversion, then halted by the addition of grape spirit (fortification) to retain residual sweetness.  The wine is then matured in neutral or “large vat” oak for an average of 3 years to integrate flavors without too much oxidation. 

Tasting Notes

Fine Ruby shows bright ruby colour. On the nose, it offers intense aromas of blackcurrant, cherry, red plum jam, and dark berries.  On the palate, it’s full-bodied, with supple tannins and concentrated fruit: cherry, cassis, black plum, lifted by fresh acidity. The finish is juicy, fruit-driven, and persistent. 

Food & Wine Pairing

Pairs especially well with blue cheeses and richly flavoured soft cheeses.  Also good with dark chocolate, berry desserts, or as an after-dinner digestif on its own. 

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve slightly cool, around 16-18 °C (61-65 °F). Use a small red wine or port glass. Decanting is unnecessary since Fine Ruby is filtered and designed to be ready to drink. 

Storage and Aging Potential

As a wood-aged ruby, it is meant for early consumption. It will remain stable for several years but does not benefit significantly from long bottle aging. Keep upright, in cool, dark conditions. 

Grape Varietals & percentage used

Blend of traditional Douro red varieties: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Cão, Tinta Amarela (proportions proprietary). 

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

20.0 %