Founded in 1692, Taylor's, also known as Taylor Fladgate, is one of the most prestigious and respected producers of Port. With over three centuries of history, it embodies both the family tradition and the pioneering spirit that have shaped the world of Port wines. From its legendary Vintage Ports to its aged Tawnies, Taylor's remains a global benchmark in the Douro region.
A family history since 1692
Founded by Job Bearsley, Taylor's quickly became a key player in the Port wine industry. Over the centuries, it has maintained family ownership, making it one of the few remaining independent houses in a world dominated by large corporations. This family continuity has allowed them to preserve a clear direction: producing quality Port wines capable of aging gracefully and reflecting their terroir.
The Douro and the iconic quintas
Taylor's wines originate in the heart of the Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage region. The company owns several quintas (wine estates), including the renowned Quinta de Vargellas, considered one of the jewels of Port wine. These steeply terraced vineyards, bathed in Portugal's intense sun, produce concentrated grapes, perfect for crafting age-worthy wines of unique intensity.
Taylor's Porto styles
Taylor's has established itself as a pioneer in the development of several styles of Port wine:
- Vintage Port: produced only in exceptional vintages, it is recognized as one of the world's greatest wines for aging. Concentrated, powerful, and elegant, it can age for several decades.
- Late Bottled Vintage (LBV): invented and popularized by Taylor's, this style offers the intensity of a Vintage but with faster accessibility, since it is aged in casks before bottling.
- Aged Tawnies: Available in 10, 20, 30 or 40 years, these ports develop aromas of dried fruit, caramel, nuts and spices thanks to long aging in casks.
- Chip Dry: launched in 1934, it was the first commercially available dry white port, an innovation that remains a house specialty.
Tradition and innovation
While Taylor's is distinguished by its commitment to traditional methods, it has also made its mark on history through its pioneering spirit. The introduction of LBV and Chip Dry exemplifies this ability to innovate without betraying the essence of Port. The house remains faithful to a style characterized by the purity of the fruit, the finesse of the tannins, and great longevity.
A global reputation
Today, Taylor's is recognized as a leading producer. Its Vintage Ports, often described as legendary, are sought after by collectors and enthusiasts worldwide. Its Tawnies and LBVs appeal to a wider audience, while reflecting the same high standards. Present in all export markets, the company embodies the prestige of Port, a symbol of Portugal and its unique terroir.
Conclusion
Since its founding in 1692, Taylor's has combined history, tradition, and innovation to become a true emblem of Port. From Vintage Port to Aged Tawny, including the renowned LBV and Chip Dry, each vintage reflects expertise passed down through generations. Deeply rooted in the Douro Valley, Taylor's continues to shine on the international stage and proudly uphold the reputation of this unique fortified wine.
