It’s Time to Relax with a Glass of Port

With the hustle and bustle of the holidays almost complete, it’s time to settle down with a delicious glass of Port. Many of us may not have a bottle of this fortified wine from Portugal at the ready or even consider the possibility, but we should. Why aren’t we lingering awhile after a meal is finished with a luscious dessert, a glass of Port, and for some, a cigar by the fire? Shouldn’t we “bring it down” a notch by listening to a brilliant sonata or engaging in a conversation with a good friend instead of checking off more boxes from the to-do list? Indulging in a glass of Port can mellow the mindset…

After tasting a variety of Port styles recently, I’m planning to sip and savor a glass of Port with a good book in front of a warm and cozy fire tonight. There might be music involved and a loved one nearby, too. I’m relaxed just thinking about this!

Port was created in the 17^th century by British merchants. Rumor has it that the process was devised accidentally when two brothers ended up stopping the fermentation of a still wine by adding grape brandy, a neutral grape spirit. Because fermentation was halted, the alcohol level was raised and the sugars were un-fermented – a sweet wine was the result. As a bonus, the wine was able to survive the arduous ship voyage from Portugal to the United Kingdom. Thanks to consumer appreciation at home, the British tweaked and perfected Port wine production; grapes were cultivated in the wine regions of Portugal then transported to Port houses in the neighboring cities of Porto and Vila Nova da Gaia, for fermentation and ageing.

More than 29 grape varieties are recommended and over 80 are authorized to use in Port production. However, the top five black varieties include Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo), Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Cao, and Tinta Barroca. White Port grape varieties include Sercial and Malvasia, among others. A series of processes during production result in the styles below.

Ruby Ports, deeply colored and fruit forward with dark berry flavors, are aged in vats with less contact with the wood. Fine Ruby Ports are aged in oak vats for 2-3 years and stainless-steel vats, LBV (Late Bottle Vintage) Ports are aged for 4-6 years in oak vats and stainless-steel vats, and Vintage Ports, made in the “best” years and aged 2-3 years in oak vats, continue to age in the bottle. This style is perhaps the least sweet of all, but is a delicious pairing with blue cheeses, chocolate dipped figs, and anything with dark chocolate. Tonight, a glass of Warre’s Warrior Port ($19), served at room temperature, will be a light, approachable style with notes of ripe plums, bright cherries, and hints of spice.

Tawny Ports are very sweet and aged in smaller, seasoned oak barrels resulting in delicate pale brown colored Port; the longer it ages, the more notes of fig and nuts you’ll discover on the nose and palate. Fine Tawny Ports are aged 3-4 years in wooden casks, Aged Tawnies are blended with 10, 20, 30, or more than 40 years of ageing in seasoned oak casks, and Reserve Tawny Ports are aged 7 years in seasoned oak casks. Pour Graham’s 20 Year Tawny Porto ($65) boasting rich flavors of toffee, caramel, and warm nuts and pair with authentic crème brulee or bites of sea salted caramels. Just stunning!

Colheita Ports are single vintage Port and aged for a minimum of 7 years in seasoned oak casks, then bottled to order. This style of Port is rare and is best known in Portugal itself; the Colheita Port 1941 ($400)from Kopke is a stunner with its astounding complexity and concentrated notes of wood, nuts, and villa on the palate. Pair with a rich slice of Southern Pecan Pie for a taste sensation…

White Ports are produced from white grapes and are fresh and fruity with subtle honey and nut aromas. Aged Whites are a blended white with 10, 20, 30, or more than 40 years ageing in seasoned oak casks and Fine White Ports are aged for 3-4 years in a combination of large wooden vats and stainless-steel tanks. Earlier this year in Portugal, I had a light, fresh, and sweet White Port Cocktail for a late night treat paired with friends and laughter.

Finally, Rosé Ports, terrific for Port cocktails, too, are produced from red grapes that undergo light maceration. They’re aged for 3 years in both large wooden vats and stainless-steel tanks.

For more fascinating information about Port, you’ll enjoy this three-minute video from Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) and Tim Atkin, MW.

Cheers! ~ Cindy