Port wine is a strong, sweet, dark red fortified wine, originally from Portugal, typically drunk as a dessert wine.
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Furthermore, fortified wine is a wine enriched with either grape spirits or sometimes brandy.
When it comes to port wine varieties brandy is introduced into the mix prior to the completion of the wine. This is beneficial to the consumer as it allows the wine to hold onto some of the fruits natural sweetness. It puts out an excellent flavor while caressing the palate softly with a smooth, crisp finish. Port wine varieties range from intense flavors too strong fruits and more mild, mellow port wines. This article will dive into port wines and which port glasses simply cannot be passed up.
Port wine Varieties and Their Many Flavors
Port wine is special. I say this because there are not many wines out there that can be red, white, rosé, and a Tawny-colored Port. Now, if you are a person who drinks wine even somewhat frequently, then you know Port is easily accessible. And while supermarket Port wine is acceptable, there are expensive bottles available that will blow your mind.
These Port wine varieties can get quite pricey depending on your preference of course, and they are quite a treat. From $10 to $200 there are a variety of ports to try if that’s your thing. It is also interesting to note that in order to make authentic Port wine, it actually has to be manufactured in Portugal.
Flavors Of Port Wine
Port wine is delicate and crisp, and it varies in the flavor more than most wines you could name. As I mentioned earlier, Port glasses come in all different colors and tastes. In a simpler light on the other hand, Port is basically divided into two primary categories. These categories go by taste, starting with red port, with berry and chocolate flavors with less of a saccharine finish. And the other is a tawny-tinted Port that boasts flavors of caramel and nut—it is also sweeter.
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This medium-bodied Port is aged for around two years and boasts minimal nuttiness flavor wise.
The Shades of Port
There are a lot of variations of Port as I mentioned earlier. Crafted from your standard white grapes, the origins from which these grapes come are Rabigato, Viosinho, Malvasia, Gouveio, and beyond. These, of course, result in White Port wines. There are a variety of flavors that can be experienced through the drinking of White Port Wines. For starters, enjoy hints of apricot, citrus, roasted nuts, and baked apple.
Next, is the rosé, Tawny Port, and Ruby Port. These are all derived from red grapes produced in Touriga Franca, Tauriga Nacional, Tinto Roriz, Tinta Barroca, and Tinto Cao. Rosé Port boasts common flavors like strawberry, cranberry sauce, caramel, and raspberry.
Additionally, there is a Tawny Port. This medium-bodied Port is aged for around two years and boasts minimal nuttiness flavor wise. As it is aged longer, the dark-colored tawnies lighten in color. When it comes to Port glasses, this one boasts flavors of caramel, clove, figs, cinnamon, hazelnut, and raspberry.
Another Port glass worth mentioning is the Ruby Port. Ruby port possesses those dark ruby and cranberry colors that make for quite the sight. Common flavors found within include chocolate, raspberry, cinnamon, and blackberry. As it is aged for longer periods of time, it ends up lightening in color much like with the previous wine.
What makes Port Glasses Unique?
Port wine varieties are special as aforementioned due to the blend of Portuguese grapes. These grapes are of course indigenous to this area, meaning that true port is only crafted here. There are rumored to be at least 52 different varieties of grapes grown here. Amazingly, none of the flavors among these grapes get lost within the blend.
Traditionally, Port is fermented over a time within lagars using the old-fashioned foot-stomping method. Much like what you have seen on I Love Lucy and other hit sit-coms, this is how the grapes are smashed. However, today Port is crafted with the use of auto-lagars that use mechanical feet in place of human feet. Another thing that makes Port special is the fact that Port glasses are smaller than regular glasses. In fact, Port glasses are only 3 ounces.
Port Wine
If you have never tried Port, you have no idea what you are missing. No matter what your taste, there is a Port that will satisfy any palate. Especially considering they range from red to white and everything in between. Start out with a mellow Port wine and traverse your way through Port wine varieties that are truly mind-blowing. This is indeed an enriching journey.