Uncovering the Historic Roots of Portugal’s Most Famous Port Wine and Why We Love It
When you hear the term “Porto,” what immediately comes to mind? A lovely Portuguese city, isn’t it? Italians probably remember a harbour, while wine lovers might remember Port wine. Our new blog post is all about the best Portuguese fortified wine.
Port wine may be the most famous fortified wine in the world. Fortified wines are made by adding brandy or spirit during production. For Port Wine, this occurs early in fermentation shoes.
What does Port Wine mean?
Sweet, fortified Port wine comes from the Douro Valley in northern Portugal. It stops fermentation and adds ‘aguardente,’ a grape spirit with a strong flavour and high alcohol level. This gives the wine its sweetness from residual sugar.
Ruby, Tawny, Vintage, and White Port (more below) have different flavours due to ageing and manufacture. Port is a popular dessert wine served with chocolate, cheese, and other rich foods.
Port wine’s history
Before discussing the wine’s attributes, let’s look at Port’s history. Portugal has always produced wine, but Port wine as we know it was first mentioned in the 17th century. As Louis XV raised French wine levies, Portuguese exports to England increased. Portuguese wine became more popular among English merchants who wanted a stronger wine to sell. Porto became a major player in the Douro Valley-England trade, and wine traders had a huge market there. This transaction was first recorded in 1678.
Brandy was added to wine to fortify it for the journey to England, a process related to port-making, as the wine arrived fortified.
How does Port Wine taste?
Know that there are many types of Port wine. Each Port has its unique taste and character. Here’s a basic overview of the key Port categories:
- Ruby Port, a deep ruby Port from Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, and Tinto Roriz grapes, features blackberry, cherry, chocolate, and cinnamon flavours, with Reserve, Late Bottled Vintage, and Vintage Port categories.
- Tawny Port, a richer red grape wine, is barrel-aged for two years, with a silky 40-year-old mix available, with smaller, oxidation-favoured barrels used for ageing.
- Rosé Port, the latest Port wine, is made from red grapes like Tinta Barroca, Touriga Franca, and Touriga Nacional. After crushing, the grapes produce a subtle pink tint.
- White Port-style wines from Rabigato, Malvasia, and Viosinho are known for their apricot, lemon, and sweet apple flavours.
How to sip Port Wine
Port wine is served in smaller glasses than standard glasses due to its high alcohol content. The serving size is 85ml. Port wine shouldn’t be served at 16°C. Some Ports are best served on the rocks on a hot summer day in Porto.
Food and Port Wine pairings
Pairing Port wine with strong cheeses like blue cheese and smoky BBQ pork highlights its distinctive qualities. As a dessert wine, Port pairs beautifully with chocolate and caramel cakes.
Interesting Port Wine facts
- Historically, Port wine barrels were carried in Rabelo boats.
- The oldest regulated wine district is Douro Valley.
- After decades of usage, the timber from Port barrels is used to mature whiskey and bourbon in the USA, Ireland, and Scotland.
- English etiquette requires serving the person sitting to their right when passing a bottle of Port around the table and then passing the bottle to the person at your left.
Port wines sold in AU, renowned for their rich history and aromas, are a decadent pleasure that pairs well with chocolate, cheese, and life’s finest moments, showcasing Portugal’s rich heritage. Exploring this iconic wine’s characteristics makes you appreciate its history and artistry in every glass.