Port Flashcards
What are the two coastal cities that divide the production of Port?
Porto
Villa Nova de Gaia
What are the three sub-regions of the vineyards for Port production?
What style do each produce?
Baixo Corgo - lightest wines
Cima Corgo - greatest number of high quality sites
Douro Superior - sparsely planted, top quality
What is the climate of vineyard area for Port production?
How does each vineyard space differ?
Warm continental
Baixo Corgo - coolest and wettest
Drier from East to West
What environmental challenges impact on the grapes grown for Port production?
(2)
Spring frost
Summer rain
What environmental factor makes viticulture possible here?
Schist bedrock
vertical fractures allow for roots to access
deep water reserves built up by winter rain
What are the three vineyard designs in the Duoro?
- Socalcos - retaining walls (hard to access)
- Patamares - no retaing wall (easier to access)
- Vinha ao alta - vines planted in line with the slope (gradual slopes only)
What aspect face away from the full force of the sun in Duoro?
Northerly
What are five varieties preferred for premium Port production?
Touriga Nacional
Touriga Franca
Tinta Roriz
Tinta Cao
Tinta Barocca
Is Port fortified during or after fermentation?
During fermentation
when alcohol hits about 5-9% abv
How long is Port typically fermented for before fortification?
24-36 hours
What techniques are used to maximise extraction for Port?
(3)
- Foot-treading - large teams in lagares
- Autovinifiers - Co2 forced pump over while ferment is active.
- Piston plungers - robotic pistons emulate foot treading in stainless lagares
What %abv is Port?
19-22%
What is the name of neutral grape spirit used for Port?
What is its maximum % abv?
Aguardente
77% abv
Where are Ports transported for maturation?
Why?
Ports are transported downstream to Vila Nova de Gaia.
It is a cooler coastal climate well suited to slow maturation.
What oak is used for Port maturation
Old large oak vessels (stainless steel used now also)
