What is Port Wine? – a Beginners Guide

‘Any time not drinking port is a waste of time’ – Percy Croft

Have you ever tried Port wine?

This iconic fortified Portuguese wine has captured the hearts and palates of wine enthusiasts (particularly literaries and politicians) around the globe for centuries. But it's reputation slides between inaccessible luxury and grandfatherly sipping.

In this beginner's guide, we'll explore the fascinating world of Port Wine. From Tawny, to White, to Ruby, to even cocktails, we'll show you why Port is so much more than just a dessert wine for the elites.

So, sit back, relax, and let's sail through the enchanting realm of Port Wine.

Skip to:

1. What is Port Wine?

2. Types of Port Wine

3. Tawny Port Wine

4. Ruby Port Wine

5. White Port Wine

6. Port Wine Food Pairings

7. Port Wine Cocktails

8. Can I use Coravin on Port Wine?

9. What Will You Try First?

 

What is Port Wine?

First things first, let's clear up a common misconception. Port is not a liqueur or a spirit, despite what some may believe. It's simply wine, but with a twist. Port is made from a blend of grapes, with about 110 different varieties allowed in the port production process. However, in practice, only about 30 are commonly used, with six, in particular, being the most prevalent.

The magic of Port lies in its unique production process. It all starts with regular grape juice, or "must," as it's called in the wine world. But here's where things get interesting. Port is a fortified wine, which means that a clear, neutral spirit, typically a 77% alcohol brandy, is added midway through the fermentation process.

This addition raises the overall alcohol content to around 20% and kills the yeast, leaving behind a delightfully sweet wine from the grapes natural sugars with about 100 grams of sugar per liter - that's on par with Coca-Cola!

Port then takes one of three paths: White, Tawny, or Ruby.

Where is Port Wine From?

The history of Port Wine dates back to the 17th century when British merchants in Northern Portugal began adding brandy to Portuguese wines to preserve them during long sea voyages. This practice evolved, and by the 18th century, Portugal's Douro Valley had become the exclusive production region for Port Wine. The wine's popularity grew, and it soon became a staple in the British market and beyond.

Port in Culture

"Port is the wine proper to the heavy drinker...Its charm invites excess. Port is not for the very young, the vain and the active. It is the comfort of age and the companion of the scholar and philosopher...designed to be drunk after dinner. It should be drunk at the table; only so in the masculine calm which follows the retirement of the women– Evelyin Waugh wrote in his 1948 Guide to Wine for House & Garden magazine.

Whilst Port has gained international acclaim for its unique flavor profile, versatility, and ability to age gracefully it's riddled with a stuffy stigma. Often viewed as an overly sophisticated, very masculine, heavy wine to drink – it's not a popular wine of choice for younger wine lovers.

(but keep reading to find out how to take Port from the roaring 1920's to the 2020's)

How is Port Wine different from regular wine?

1. Fortification process

The key difference between Port Wine and regular wine lies in the fortification process. During fermentation, a neutral grape spirit is added to the wine, which raises the alcohol content and halts the fermentation process. This leaves residual sugar in the wine, resulting in a sweeter taste compared to regular wine.

2. Higher alcohol content

Due to the fortification process, Port Wine typically has an alcohol content between 19% and 22%, which is significantly higher than regular wine, which usually ranges from 12% to 15%.

3. Unique flavors and characteristics

The fortification process and aging methods used in Port Wine production contribute to its distinct flavor profile. Port Wines often exhibit notes of dried fruits, nuts, caramel, and spices, with a smooth, full-bodied texture.

Types of Port Wine

Port Wine comes in a variety of both red grapes and white grapes, each with its own unique characteristics and production methods.

Red Ports

‘The first duty of Port is to be red’ – famously said by Ernest Cockburn, a renowned figure in the Port wine industry during the early 20th century.

Ruby Port

Ruby Port is a young, fruity style of Port that is aged for a shorter period in large oak vats. It showcases the vibrant, fresh fruit flavors of the wine and is typically the most affordable type of Port.

Vintage Port

Vintage Port is made from the best grapes of a single exceptional vintage and is only produced in years when the quality is deemed high enough. It is aged for a short period in oak barrels before being bottled and left to mature for decades. Vintage Ports are known for their complex flavors, intense fruit notes, and long aging potential.

Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) Port

LBV Port is made from grapes of a single vintage, but it is aged for longer periods (4-6 years) in oak barrels before bottling. This extended aging results in a more mature, accessible wine with some of the characteristics of Vintage Port but at a more affordable price point.

Crusted Port

Crusted Port is a blend of wines from different vintages that are aged in oak barrels for up to four years. It is named for the sediment (or "crust") that forms in the bottle as it ages. This type of Port offers a balance between the youthful fruity flavors of Ruby Port and the complexity of Vintage Port.

Tawny Port Wine

Tawny Port (10, 20, 30, 40 years)

Tawny Port is aged in oak barrels for extended periods, allowing gradual oxidation and evaporation. The wines are blended to achieve a consistent style and are labeled with an age indication (10, 20, 30, or 40 years), representing the average age of the wines in the blend. Tawny Port wines offer nutty, caramel, and dried fruit flavors with a smooth, silky texture.

Colheita Port

Colheita Port is a Tawny Port made from grapes of a single vintage, aged in oak barrels for at least seven years before bottling. It combines the vintage character of a specific year with the oxidative aging of Tawny Port, resulting in a complex and elegant wine.

White Port Wines

Dry White Ports

Dry White Port is made from white grape varieties and is fermented to dryness before fortification. It is typically light-bodied, crisp, and refreshing, making it an excellent aperitif or cocktail ingredient.

Sweet White Port

Sweet White Port is made similarly to Ruby Port but using white grape varieties. It is sweet, fruity, and often served chilled as a dessert wine.

Color variations in Port Wine

Red Port Wine

Red Port Wines, such as Ruby, Vintage, LBV, and Crusted, are made from red grape varieties and exhibit deep ruby to purple hues.

White Port Wine

White Port Wines are made from white grape varieties and range in color from pale straw to golden.

Rosé Port Wine

Rosé Port is a less common style made from a blend of red and white grapes or by limiting the contact of red grape skins with the juice, resulting in a pink hue.

Tawny Port Wine

What is Tawny Port?

Tawny Port is a style of Port Wine that is aged in oak barrels for extended periods, allowing gradual oxidation and evaporation. This process results in a wine with a distinctive tawny color and a smooth, nutty flavor profile.

Aging process and characteristics

Tawny Port wines are aged in oak barrels, typically for 10, 20, 30, or 40 years, although some producers may offer Tawny Ports with even older age indications. As the wine ages, it develops a complex array of flavors and aromas, including caramel, nuts, dried fruits, and spices.

Tasting notes and flavors

Tawny Ports are known for their rich, nutty flavors, with notes of caramel, vanilla, dried fruits (such as figs and raisins), and a hint of spice. The texture is smooth and silky, with a long, elegant finish.

How to choose a Tawny Port

When selecting a Tawny Port, consider the age indication, as this will give you an idea of the wine's complexity and flavor profile. Older Tawny Ports (30 or 40 years) will exhibit more intense nutty and caramel notes, while younger Tawny Ports (10 or 20 years) will retain more fruit character.

Serving and storing Tawny Port

Tawny Port is best served slightly chilled (55-60°F or 12-15°C) in a small, tulip-shaped glass. Once opened, Tawny Port can be stored in a cool, dark place for several weeks to a few months, depending on the age of the wine.

Interesting facts about Tawny Port

• Tawny Port is often considered a more versatile and accessible style of Port, as it can be enjoyed on its own, paired with a variety of foods, or used in cocktails.

• The age indication on a Tawny Port label represents the average age of the wines in the blend, not the actual age of the youngest wine.

Ruby Port Wine

“Ruby port is like a woman. Women are expected to do the impossible. Stay the same, maintain the same color and sweetness and fruit. To achieve that, the Ruby doesn’t need wood. It ages inside huge, ancient vats, where oxidation is minimum.” – Julia Costa, The True Purpose of Vines

What is Ruby Port?

Ruby Port is a young, fruity style of Port Wine that is aged for a shorter period in large oak vats or stainless steel tanks. It is known for its vibrant red color and intense fruit flavors.

Production process and characteristics

Ruby Port is made from a blend of red grape varieties and is aged for 2-3 years in large oak vats or stainless steel tanks to preserve its fresh, fruity character. The wine is then bottled and released for consumption without significant aging.

Tasting notes and flavors

Ruby Port showcases the vibrant, youthful fruit flavors of the wine, with notes of ripe berries, cherries, and plums. It has a medium to full body, a balanced sweetness, and a slightly firm tannic structure.

Types of Ruby Port

In addition to standard Ruby Port, there are also Reserve and Premium Ruby Ports, which are made from higher-quality grapes and may be aged for slightly longer periods.

Serving and storing Ruby Port

Ruby Port is best served at room temperature (60-65°F or 15-18°C) in a small, tulip-shaped glass. Once opened, it should be consumed within a few days to a week, as its youthful fruit flavors can fade quickly.

White Port Wine

What is White Port?

White Port is a style of Port Wine made from white grape varieties, such as Malvasia Fina, Gouveio, and Codega. It can be produced in both dry and sweet styles.

Production process and characteristics

White Port is made by fermenting white grape varieties and fortifying the wine with neutral grape spirit. The wines are then aged in oak barrels or stainless steel tanks, depending on the desired style.

Tasting notes and flavors

Dry White Port is light-bodied, crisp, and refreshing, with hints of citrus, nuts, and herbs. Sweet White Port is fuller-bodied, with flavors of ripe fruit, honey, and floral notes.

Types of White Port

White Ports can be categorized as Dry, Semi-Dry, or Sweet, based on the level of residual sugar in the wine.

Serving and storing White Port

White Port is best served chilled (45-50°F or 7-10°C) in a small, tulip-shaped glass. Dry White Port is often enjoyed as an aperitif or in cocktails, while Sweet White Port is typically served as a dessert wine. Once opened, White Port can be stored in a cool, dark place for several weeks.

Port Wine Food Pairings

Pairing Port Wine with food can elevate your dining experience and showcase the versatility of this iconic fortified wine.

Tawny Port pairings

Tawny Port pairs well with nutty and caramel-based desserts, such as pecan pie, crème brûlée, or caramel cheesecake. It also complements aged cheeses like aged cheddar, Gouda, or Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Ruby Port pairings

Ruby Port, with its vibrant fruit flavors, pairs well with dark chocolate, berry-based desserts, and blue cheeses like Stilton or Roquefort.

White Port pairings

Dry White Port is an excellent aperitif and pairs well with light appetizers, such as olives, almonds, or charcuterie. Sweet White Port complements fruit-based desserts, such as apple or pear tarts.

Dessert pairings

Port Wine is a natural partner for a wide range of desserts, from chocolate and caramel-based treats to fruit-based desserts and pastries.

Cheese pairings

Port Wine and cheese are a classic combination. Tawny Ports pair well with aged, nutty cheeses, while Ruby Ports complement blue cheeses and soft, creamy cheeses like Brie or Camembert. 

Port Wine Cocktails

If Port alone isn't your fancy, then cocktails are a brilliantly modern way to go and an easy addition for any party. Its unique flavor profile makes it an excellent ingredient for adding depth, sweetness, and complexity to mixed drinks.

Classic Port Wine cocktails

P&T (Port and Tonic)

Start with a simple recipe like the Port and Tonic, a playful spin on the much loved G&T:

Ingredients:

• 2 oz (60 ml) White Port
• 4 oz (120 ml) tonic water
• Ice
• Lemon wedge or mint sprig for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.

2. Measure out 2 oz (60 ml) of White Port and pour it over the ice in the glass.

3. Top the White Port with 4 oz (120 ml) of tonic water.

4. Gently stir the drink to combine the White Port and tonic water.

5. Garnish with a lemon wedge or mint sprig, depending on your preference.

6. Serve the Port and Tonic immediately and enjoy your refreshing cocktail!

Experiment with different Port styles and mixers to create your own unique cocktails.

 

Port – but make it Old Fashioned

Ingredients:

• 3cl Tawny
• 2,5cl Whisky Bourbon or Aged Rum
• 1 barspoon Marmalade
• 2cl Soda

Preparation:

1. Fill the glass with ice.
2. Place the following ingredients in the shaker: Taylor's 10 Year Old Tawny, whisky bourbon and a barspoon of marmalade.
3. Shake. Double strain to the glass. Add the soda and stir gently.
4. Garnish: Marmalade and ginger smoke
5. Glass: on the rocks

 

Port Lemonade

When life gives you lemons this time, consider making Port lemonade.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz (45 ml) Ruby Port
• 0.75 oz (22.5 ml) vodka
• 3 oz (90 ml) lemonade
• Ice
• Lime wedge or wheel for garnish

Preparation:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.

2. Pour 1.5 oz (45 ml) of Ruby Port into the shaker.

3. Add 0.75 oz (22.5 ml) of vodka to the shaker.

4. Measure out 3 oz (90 ml) of lemonade and pour it into the shaker.

5. Squeeze a small lime wedge into the shaker (optional, for extra lime flavor).

6. Secure the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to chill and combine the ingredients.

7. Place a few ice cubes in a tall glass (like a highball or Collins glass).

8. Strain the cocktail from the shaker into the prepared glass over the ice.

9. Garnish with a lime wedge or wheel on the rim of the glass.

10. Stir gently, if desired, and enjoy your refreshing Port Lemonade cocktail!

Can I use Coravin on Port Wine?

While it's tempting to use your Coravin Timeless system on all your favorite wines, including Port, it's not always the best idea. Port Wine's unique characteristics, such as higher alcohol content and sweetness, can pose some challenges when using a traditional Coravin.

First, the Coravin system is designed for wines with alcohol levels between 11.5% and 13.5% ABV, while Port typically clocks in around 20% ABV. This higher alcohol content can affect the Coravin's performance and potentially damage the device.

However, if you're determined to use a preservation system for your Port, the Coravin Pivot might be a better option. The Pivot is designed to work with all types of wine, regardless of alcohol content or cork type. It uses a special stopper that replaces the cork, providing a secure seal and allowing you to pour the wine without exposing it to oxygen.

Keep in mind that even with the Pivot, Port Wine won't last as long as still wines after opening. The Pivot can help extend the life of your Port for a few weeks to a month, depending on the style, but it's still best to enjoy Port within a relatively short period for optimal taste and quality.

What Will You Try First?

The world of Port Wine is a treasure trove of delights waiting to be uncorked and savored. From the vibrant and sassy Ruby Port to the suave and debonair Tawny Port, there's a style for every taste and mood.

With a little creativity and open-mind, you'll find Port Wine isn't just for stuffy dinner parties and cigar-filled rooms anymore. It's time to bring this classic into the 21st century and make it the life of the party. Mix up a batch of Port Wine cocktails and watch as your friends marvel at your mixology skills. From the classic Port and Tonic to a daring Port Manhattan, the possibilities are endless.