I originally published this article a few years ago. I felt that because so many people overlook these fantastic dessert wines from Portugal that it deserved to be revisited. While it is usually sweet and red, there are white ports that can be sweet or very dry. So here’s a little refresher on Port wine to help you choose the perfect one for those cold, winter nights here in the northeast.
First a little history. Port wine is often associated with being a very rich, sweet fortified wine from the Douro Valley in Portugal. The name Port comes from the town Oporto located at the mouth of the Douro River – the historic cellaring and exportation center for the wine. Despite everything, the wine is not originally a creation of Portugal. During the 17th century, England was at war with France, making it difficult to obtain wine. So the British went to Portugal, a long-time trading partner. The wine they found was of somewhat lower quality and the English sailors transporting the wine added distilled spirits, or brandy to make it more palatable and to stabilize the wine for long sea voyages. This resulted in a highly alcoholic wine product that with some tweaking has become the standard for fortified wines around the world.
While more than 30 grape varieties are grown in the Douro Valley for Port production, only a handful are heavily used. The most well known and widely utilized is Touriga Nacional, one of the country’s highest quality varietals. A versitile grape, it is also used extensively in Portugal’s non-port wine production.
It can be confusing when shopping for port wine because of the different styles and varying prices from well under $10 to “hello bank, I need a new line of credit.” So to help quell any confusion, here are the most common styles of port:
Vintage Ports
While only representing two-percent of the total Port wine production, Vintage Port is the patriarch of the family. Only released in certain years deemed worthy by the producer and then given the approval by the Instituto dos Vinhos do Douro e Porto or IVDP -- Portugal’s governing body for Port wine, these wines are lush, rich and ageable for what seems forever. These are the ports that get the big ratings and demand the highest prices – especially for particularly good years like 1994. Patience is key though. These are not wines to pick-up and drink right away. They are blended from different vineyards and only aged for a short time in wood barrels, so they need at least 15-20 years in the bottle. Even Ports more than 50 years old can continue to improve. So despite a high rating or great review of a younger vintage, realize that it takes into account the future drinkability, not neccessarily today’s enjoyment level. Younger vintages can be found for well under $60, but expect to pay $80 - $200 for top years like 1994 -- with prices skyrocketing for even older vintages.
Note: To save money and aging time, look for Single Quinta Vintage Ports. Unlike most vintage Ports that blend grapes grown in different vineyards, these are produced from a single vineyard, or Quinta. Single Quinta Ports are sometimes from non-declared vintages and often aged longer before bottling, thus reducing the aging recommendation to as little as 8 years once bottled. The biggest appeal though is the price, which can often be half that of typical vintage Ports.
Late Bottled Vintage
Now let’s say you want an aged Port, but don’t feel like waiting even a few years. Then Late Bottled Vintage Port may be your answer. These are ports that may not have made the cut for Vintage bottling and are left for another few years in wood to mature. Once aged they are placed in the bottle and labeled LBV, or Late Bottled Vintage. Usually you can see the date of harvest as well as the bottling date on the label. These are ready to drink and will not improve much more over time. Typically priced from $20-$40.
Ruby
Very abundant and cheap to produce, these are rarely aged in wood barrels opting instead for 3-5 years in concrete or stainless tanks, which helps maintain the bright ruby-red color. These are the sweetest and least expensive on the market and do not improve with age once in the bottle. Typically costing less than $15, these are great everyday ports for drinking or cooking (Think lamb with a Port wine reduction).
Tawny Reserve
These are blended wines from different batches which are aged for at least six years in wood barrels before going into the bottle. The result is a more rust-colored wine that while sweet is less clawing that ruby. Priced in the $15 -$25 range.
Note: There are also inexpensive Tawny’s that do not indicate “Reserve.” These are permitted to have little or no barrel aging and while often very drinkable are generally inferior to the Tawny Reserves.
Aged Tawny
Aged tawny port is a blend of several vintages with the average age clearly indicated. They are classified as 10-year, 20, 30 and some older versions more than 40 years old. The quality of these ports can be outstanding and is another great way to enjoy aged port without waiting. The prices on these tend to range from $20 to more than $100.
White Port
Less popular than red ports, this wine is derived from one or more white grape varietals and can be sweet or dry. Served cold, it can even be used in mixed drinks or served as an aperitif. White Port is relatively inexpensive and ranges from less than $10 to $20 or so.
Unlike many wines, once opened most Port will not go bad overnight. This is thanks to it’s hefty 20% alcohol content. A re-sealed bottle can last weeks if stored in a cool, dark place, or refrigerated in the case of White Port. The exception is the older vintage ports, which are more delicate and need decanting after their long stay in the bottle. These should be consumed within 24-hours of opening.
The popularity of the wine has influenced producers throughout the world. Here in the U.S., for example, Port-style wines are being produced with local grapes like Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon, and are generally well received. Look for some very good versions from California, Australia, South Africa, France and even locally here in New York.
You need to try the different styles to find your personal favorite. And, as great as Port is by itself, it’s even better when paired with cheese or nuts…especially Stilton and Almonds. The nutty flavor of the wine and counter-balance of salty and sweet mesh beautifully and is a great alternative to dessert.
So stoke the fire on a cold night, cuddle-up and enjoy a glass of port. It will make the time you’re stuck inside just a little more enjoyable.
First a little history. Port wine is often associated with being a very rich, sweet fortified wine from the Douro Valley in Portugal. The name Port comes from the town Oporto located at the mouth of the Douro River – the historic cellaring and exportation center for the wine. Despite everything, the wine is not originally a creation of Portugal. During the 17th century, England was at war with France, making it difficult to obtain wine. So the British went to Portugal, a long-time trading partner. The wine they found was of somewhat lower quality and the English sailors transporting the wine added distilled spirits, or brandy to make it more palatable and to stabilize the wine for long sea voyages. This resulted in a highly alcoholic wine product that with some tweaking has become the standard for fortified wines around the world.
While more than 30 grape varieties are grown in the Douro Valley for Port production, only a handful are heavily used. The most well known and widely utilized is Touriga Nacional, one of the country’s highest quality varietals. A versitile grape, it is also used extensively in Portugal’s non-port wine production.
It can be confusing when shopping for port wine because of the different styles and varying prices from well under $10 to “hello bank, I need a new line of credit.” So to help quell any confusion, here are the most common styles of port:
Vintage Ports
While only representing two-percent of the total Port wine production, Vintage Port is the patriarch of the family. Only released in certain years deemed worthy by the producer and then given the approval by the Instituto dos Vinhos do Douro e Porto or IVDP -- Portugal’s governing body for Port wine, these wines are lush, rich and ageable for what seems forever. These are the ports that get the big ratings and demand the highest prices – especially for particularly good years like 1994. Patience is key though. These are not wines to pick-up and drink right away. They are blended from different vineyards and only aged for a short time in wood barrels, so they need at least 15-20 years in the bottle. Even Ports more than 50 years old can continue to improve. So despite a high rating or great review of a younger vintage, realize that it takes into account the future drinkability, not neccessarily today’s enjoyment level. Younger vintages can be found for well under $60, but expect to pay $80 - $200 for top years like 1994 -- with prices skyrocketing for even older vintages.
Note: To save money and aging time, look for Single Quinta Vintage Ports. Unlike most vintage Ports that blend grapes grown in different vineyards, these are produced from a single vineyard, or Quinta. Single Quinta Ports are sometimes from non-declared vintages and often aged longer before bottling, thus reducing the aging recommendation to as little as 8 years once bottled. The biggest appeal though is the price, which can often be half that of typical vintage Ports.
Late Bottled Vintage
Now let’s say you want an aged Port, but don’t feel like waiting even a few years. Then Late Bottled Vintage Port may be your answer. These are ports that may not have made the cut for Vintage bottling and are left for another few years in wood to mature. Once aged they are placed in the bottle and labeled LBV, or Late Bottled Vintage. Usually you can see the date of harvest as well as the bottling date on the label. These are ready to drink and will not improve much more over time. Typically priced from $20-$40.
Ruby
Very abundant and cheap to produce, these are rarely aged in wood barrels opting instead for 3-5 years in concrete or stainless tanks, which helps maintain the bright ruby-red color. These are the sweetest and least expensive on the market and do not improve with age once in the bottle. Typically costing less than $15, these are great everyday ports for drinking or cooking (Think lamb with a Port wine reduction).
Tawny Reserve
These are blended wines from different batches which are aged for at least six years in wood barrels before going into the bottle. The result is a more rust-colored wine that while sweet is less clawing that ruby. Priced in the $15 -$25 range.
Note: There are also inexpensive Tawny’s that do not indicate “Reserve.” These are permitted to have little or no barrel aging and while often very drinkable are generally inferior to the Tawny Reserves.
Aged Tawny
Aged tawny port is a blend of several vintages with the average age clearly indicated. They are classified as 10-year, 20, 30 and some older versions more than 40 years old. The quality of these ports can be outstanding and is another great way to enjoy aged port without waiting. The prices on these tend to range from $20 to more than $100.
White Port
Less popular than red ports, this wine is derived from one or more white grape varietals and can be sweet or dry. Served cold, it can even be used in mixed drinks or served as an aperitif. White Port is relatively inexpensive and ranges from less than $10 to $20 or so.
Unlike many wines, once opened most Port will not go bad overnight. This is thanks to it’s hefty 20% alcohol content. A re-sealed bottle can last weeks if stored in a cool, dark place, or refrigerated in the case of White Port. The exception is the older vintage ports, which are more delicate and need decanting after their long stay in the bottle. These should be consumed within 24-hours of opening.
The popularity of the wine has influenced producers throughout the world. Here in the U.S., for example, Port-style wines are being produced with local grapes like Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon, and are generally well received. Look for some very good versions from California, Australia, South Africa, France and even locally here in New York.
You need to try the different styles to find your personal favorite. And, as great as Port is by itself, it’s even better when paired with cheese or nuts…especially Stilton and Almonds. The nutty flavor of the wine and counter-balance of salty and sweet mesh beautifully and is a great alternative to dessert.
So stoke the fire on a cold night, cuddle-up and enjoy a glass of port. It will make the time you’re stuck inside just a little more enjoyable.