Port, I think it is one of those things that needs to grow on you. Port is not my wine of choice but it is great for something different and makes a fantastic after dinner drink. True Port, or Porto comes from Portugal (couldn’t figure that one could you 
) and is a fortified wine. What does that mean? Similar to wine it is made from grapes and aged but port goes through one additional step, the addition of aguardente during the fermentation process. Aguardente is often compared to brandy, it increases the alcohol content through residual sugars.
Just like wine, there are many kinds of ports and the are either barrel aged or bottle aged. The barrel aged ports are tawny, colheita, and garrafeira. Tawny is the most popular and is aged for 10, 20, 30 and even 40 years. Graham’s is a popular tawny port and a typical description would be:
"Reflective honey hue. Mixed aromas of cola, brown sugar, pecan, citrus peel and crème brûlée. Creamy texture with butterscotch and warm caramel flavors spiked with an edgy, citrus zing. Alcohol adds a spiciness to the close."
The bottle aged ports are ruby, reserve, rose, and white. Ruby is the most popular and spends its time fermenting in stainless steel after a 2 year rest in a barrel. It has a bright ruby red color and is meant to be enjoyed immediately instead of aging.
Sandeman’s is a popular ruby port and is described as:
“Brilliant red ruby in colour, with clean aromas of red fruits, plums and strawberries, Sandeman Ruby Porto has full rich flavours and is very well balanced. Traditionally matched with full flavoured and creamy cheeses, Sandeman Ruby Porto combines well with chocolate desserts, strawberries or berries and fruit pies”
As for my port drinking, I do enjoy a Ruby Porto and am working on refining my palate to enjoy the tawny and more aged styles. After my trip to Portugal this fall maybe I will have developed a taste for it.
Best part about port? The glasses. Small glasses that allow the port to breathe and to control your portion!
{ 2 comments }
Apart from being a wonderful after dinner wine Port is also excellent for marinading chicken and turkey meats it gives a very nice flavor. I am not so sure about the comparison to Brandy but i am willing to take you up on that offer. Great post.
I love posts about wine! Port isn’t a favorite of mine but I have tasted some good ones!
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