Port Flashcards
What is port?
Port is a sweet, fortified red wine produced from a blend of black grapes grown in Upper Douro region of Portugal. Most ports are blends of several vintages.
What is the process for making Port?
Harvest Rapid extraction of colour and tannins Partial fermentation Fortification with grape spirit (kills yeast) Sweet wine with high ABV Maturation Blending and bottling.
What are the main port styles?
Ruby Style :
Ruby Port, Reserve Ruby Port, LBV Port
Vintage Port : high quality, single exceptional vintage
Tawny-Style Port
What are the characteristics of inexpensive Ruby Port?
Deeply coloured
Low tannin
Flavours of cooked fruits (black cherry, blackberry) sometimes black pepper
What are the characteristics of Reserve Ruby Port?
Similar to Ruby but more intensity of flavour
Deeply coloured
Medium tannin
Flavours of cooked fruits (black cherry, blackberry) sometimes black pepper
What are the characteristics of LBV Port?
Similar to Reserve but from a single vintage.
Deeply coloured
Low tannin
Flavours of cooked fruits (black cherry, blackberry) sometimes black pepper
What is Vintage Port?
Port made from highest quality wines from a single exceptional vintage.
What is profile of Vintage Port?
Garnet colour Concentrated black fruit flavours High tannins Tertiary flavours of dried fruit, leather, coffee Can mature for 20+ years in bottle
How often are Vintage Ports made?
Producers only declare a Vintage Port in the best years which is not every year.
What are the two tawny-style Ports?
Tawny Port
Age-stated Tawny Port
What is the difference in the two tawny Ports?
Age stated have been matured over longer period with extended oxidation creating the tawny colour. Complex flavours of dried fruits and oxidative flavour of caramel, walnut and coffee. Tawny port ( unaged) is simple, fruity, low in tannin and pale in colour.
