Graham’s releases Port for Anglo-Portuguese Alliance anniversary

Graham’s has released a limited edition Port to commemorate the 650th anniversary of the Anglo-Portuguese Treaty, the world’s oldest unbroken alliance.

The treaty, signed on 16 June 1373 between the two kingdoms, is still in place today. Some centuries later, Anglo-Portuguese relations would further deepen due to the role British arrivals played in the development of the Douro Valley’s now world famous fortified wine industry.

To mark the major anniversary of this friendship between the European nations, the Symington family has bottled two casks of Graham’s 2011 Single Vintage Harvest Tawny Port for release exclusively in the UK and Portugal.

The 2011 vintage is regarded as one of the best vintages in the Douro Valley this century. Over the last decade, the wine has been barrel-aged at the Graham’s Lodge in Vila Nova de Gaia.

Symington Family Estates chairman Johnny Symington said: “Not only is this a milestone moment in the history of the UK and Portugal, but this anniversary has its own special significance to our family. As a direct result of this ancient alliance, families like ours of English, Scottish and Portuguese origin have put down strong roots in Porto and the Douro Valley and built multi-generational family wine businesses.”

“My great grandfather, Andrew James Symington, arrived in Portugal in 1882 and fell in love with Porto, the Douro, its people and its wines. Our family has continued his legacy throughout the last 140 years, and it is because of the mutual respect and great warmth shared by both countries that we have been able to do so,” added Symington.

This special Port will be available in the UK towards the end of this year via John E Fells.

Taylor’s Port recently marked the 650th anniversary of the alliance with a reception at the Tower of London.