Portské víno (165)

Long-term Port Wine Expertise: Taylor’s, Niepoort, Churchills & Trenz

The red Port wine, occasionally also white wine, originates from the Douro Valley in Portugal.

Warm summers and cold winters. This is how the approximately 30 permitted grape varieties for the beloved wines from Portugal ripen along the river.

Among them

• Tinta Roriz (a synonym for the red wine Tempranillo),
• Gouveio,
• Touriga Nacional,
• Touriga Francia,
• Tinta Cão,
• Tinta Barroca
• and Síria.

The name Port wine refers, however, to the port city of Porto. Here, Port wine is traditionally stored in cellars, in partly enormous barrels.

From Porto, ships loaded with the long-lasting port set sail in all directions. And that is where the origin lies, which is why Port wine is what it is. A seemingly eternally durable sweet wine, that easily withstands long voyages.

By sea, the Vinho do Porto reaches various ports on the European mainland. And thus also the tastes of the connoisseurs.

Englishmen, Dutch, Germans were greedy for the fruity sweet wine from the Douro Valley. Therefore, they built warehouses in the Porto harbor.

Thus, Port wine is firmly in the hands of major investors.

Taylor’s, Niepoort, Churchills, Trenz - few names that sound Portuguese. But with first-class and long-standing expertise in production.

Production, Type, Taste of Port Wine (Vinho do Porto)

Fortification, or "Ausschweifen", turns wine into Port wine. During fermentation, high-proof brandy is added to the must in a ratio of 1 to 4. This kills the yeast cells, thus stopping the fermentation.

What remains is the residual sugar, which is expressed in the fine sweetness of the port. Once the Port wine reaches the necessary alcohol level of 19 to 22 % vol., the sweet wine is ready for storage.

Initially for half a year in the Douro Valley. Then in cellars near Porto for at least two more years. In the large wooden barrels, which can hold up to 550 liters, the Port wine matures until the first tasting. This develops the subsequent process.

If the vintage appears mediocre, the risk of flavor loss with long storage is great. This Port wine becomes Ruby. Ruby Port remains in the barrel for a short time and is then bottled ready to drink.

Better vintages gain aromas and flavor through longer aging. The port remains in the barrel until it is filled into a pipe (small barrel for faster oxidation) or bottle. Depending on the container, the Port wine matures into different classes. For example, from the pipe emerge Old Tawny and Colheita. In the bottle, it develops into LBV (Late Bottled Vintage), Crusted Port, and Vintage Character.

Absolute top vintages, when recognized by the Port wine institute, are considered Vintage. Ports of this quality class are bottled as soon as possible and aged for at least 10 years. Flavor-wise, Vintage Ports develop over decades.

Port Wine Variants

The differences in Port wine variants therefore lie in the timing and container of storage. Depending on the method, various classes of Port wine arise:

1. Ruby is a young, fruity port wine that matures in wooden barrels and comes to market after a few years. Its bouquet presents fruity berries and forest aromas.
2. Tawny ages longer, both in wooden barrels and small pipes. The amber to golden body of this dessert wine reveals nuances of dried fruits, nuts, and plums. These result from contact with air.
3. Colheita is considered a specialty and matures for at least 7 years in wooden barrels. This gives it a very spicy note. Unlike many other Port wines, the Colheita is not a cuvée from several vintages.

Our Port Wine Recommendation

Tawny Port - Osborne

From the finest grape varieties of the Douro Valley springs the Tawny Port by Osborne. It displays a beautifully brown-golden hue. The fully ripe and sweet body has subtle hints of honey and wood. The Tawny matures for 4 years in a small pipe wooden barrel. It is a great finish after any meal.

Vintage Port 2011 - Churchill's

From the top class comes the Vintage Port from Churchill’s Estate. It convinces with deep dark red hues and a complex bouquet. Ripe dark berries with strong spice and nuances of fine chocolate ensure a harmonious experience. Suitable for dried fruits and sweet pastries. Or simply for storage, for several decades.

What is the best Port wine?

The supposedly best Port wine carries a proud price tag of around €100,000 and comes from the house Niepoort. For all those who lack the necessary funds for such expensive Port wines, the Vintage Ports are worth it. These are generally considered the best Port wines. Only great vintages are declared as Vintage vintages. But: until Vintage Ports reach their full potential, they mature for a while. Quite comfortably 10 to 50 years.

Buy Port Wine Online at VINELLO

A ship is already setting sail in Porto to deliver your Port. Through our wine shipping service VINELLO, it will also arrive securely and quickly at your home. Order Port wine affordably and easily, via insured shipping, and enjoy the delicious dessert wine from Portugal.

Experience sweet harmony or store exceptional Port wine for a special occasion. From Alto Douro to you – a sweet journey from VINELLO, your online wine shop for delightful drops.