44 - Port

Question 1

What are the two cities most important for Port production?

Answer 1

Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. Which both lie either side of the River Douro and the vieyard area starts 70km up stream form these towns. Both areas are distinctly different.

Question 2

The vineyard area for Port has 3 main sub regions, what are they called?

Answer 2

• Baixa Corgo (lightest wines)
• Cima Corgo (top vineyards)
• Douro Superior (still highly regarded)

Question 3

Describe the climate in the Port making regions?

Answer 3

Broadly a warm continental climate as result of being shielded form rain bearing Atlantic winds by the Sirerra do Marao. Climate however is not uniformed, as you go east it gets hotter and dryer.

Question 4

What weather hazards do growers have to contend with in the Port making regions?

Answer 4

Frosts in spring, heavy downpours on occasion can disrupt flowering as well as harvest. Rain fall throughout the growing season is very low.

Question 5

What are the main varietals used in Port production?

Answer 5

• Touriga Franca
• Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo)
• Tinta Barroca
• Touriga Nacional
• Tinta Cao

Question 6

Why is managing vineyards on slopes so hard in Port country?

Answer 6

The slopes are so steep.

Question 7

What was traditional way of terracing vineyards in Port country?

Answer 7

Socalos were used, which were supported by stone walls, but they could only support a few rows of vines and no mechanisation was possible. This still widely used though.

Question 8

What is the new style of terracing called in Port country?

Answer 8

Patamares. No retaining walls are built and more importantly each terrace is wide enough to allow tractir access.

Question 9

What are the main types of Port?

Answer 9

Inexpensive:

• Ruby
• Tawny

Special:

• Reserve/Reserva
• Late Bottled Vintage
• Tawny with and Indication of Age
• Vintage