Port

Did you know that Port is described as one of the sexiest drinks available? In the old days, it was only brought out after women had left the room. Women do not leave the room anymore, of course, and Port sales are certainly better for it.

Origins of Port

Officially, real Port comes only from the Douro River Valley in Portugal, very much the same way that true Champagne comes from the Champagne region of France. The term "port wine" can only refer to these Portugal originated products. The Douro River Valley vineyards are unbelievably steep, and planted in tiers on the mountainside. Port wine is a worldly consumed product and very important to its economy.

Serving Port

Port should be served around 65 degrees, in a narrow wine glass, and the glass should only be half filled. This keeps the alcohol content from overwhelming the flavors. It often needs to be decanted, and is traditionally served with Stilton or Cheddar cheese, and goes very well with chocolate. Port aromas include pepper, smoke, truffles and black currant.

Today's Port Styles

Port Style	Description
Vintage	Blended from the wine of the best vineyards of a single year that must be bottled within 2 years and intended to age for a long time. This is the cream of the crop for port wines.
Single Quinta Port	Port from a single Vineyard. Could also be considered a Vintage Port.
Late Bottled Port	Is port from a single year that is matured in wood casks in order to be more mature when bottled, so the port is ready to drink when purchased.
Old Tawny	A full-bodied blended port from different years the bottled and stored for many years.
Vintage-Dated Tawny	A Fine Old Tawny that is also considered a Vintage port.
Tawny	A port that is blended from different aged wines and usually does not improve with aging.
Fine Old Ruby	A port that is blended from different years and kept in wood casks for about 4 years before being ready to drink. The quality is not as good as Tawny.
Ruby	A port that is blended from wines of different years and takes less than 3 years to mature.

Contributor: Debbie Parker (Miami Springs, FL)

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