1982 Martinez Vintage Port - Douro

1982 Martinez Vintage Port with the character of bottle aging

The 1982 Martinez Vintage Port offers an introduction to an older Vintage Port from the Douro. With a bottle of this age, its development in the bottle is at least as important as the original vintage year. Martinez is one of the historic names in the world of port. For those who enjoy discovering how youthful fruitiness can evolve into more mature aromas, this vintage offers an interesting tasting experience.

The Story of the 1982 Vintage

The Douro has a long tradition of fortified wine, with vineyards on steep slopes along the river. Conditions vary by plot and by year. Not every harvest year is declared a “Vintage” by all port houses. That is precisely why it is interesting to compare a 1982 Martinez with other vintages from the same house and discover differences in aging and style.

Vintage Port spends a relatively short time in the barrel and is then bottled. Further aging takes place in the bottle, often for decades. The intense color and dark fruit flavors of a young Port can change gradually. In a well-preserved bottle, aromas of dried fruit, nuts, and spices may develop. However, there is no set flavor profile for every bottle from 1982: temperature, the cork, and storage history make a big difference.

Aroma and taste

Depending on the condition of the bottle, notes of dried figs, prunes, walnuts, cocoa, and coffee may come to the fore. The tannins may have softened over the years, giving the wine a more rounded character. The color may also have evolved, with lighter hues at the rim.

Serving and Pairing

Stand the bottle upright beforehand and decant carefully to separate any sediment. Serve at around 16 to 18 degrees Celsius. Pair with blue cheese or a nut-based dessert, or simply savor the wine on its own.

Discover more

Compare with 1985 Martinez Vintage, 1987 Martinez Vintage and 1985 Fonseca Vintage. Check out our Vintage Ports.