port continued Flashcards
What is the purpose of fortification in wine production?
Fortification kills the yeast to create a stable sweet wine with between 19% and 22% abv
What is the maximum alcohol by volume (abv) of the spirit used in fortification?
77% abv
How much spirit is typically found in a bottle of Port?
Approximately 20 percent of the total volume
Where are Ports generally transported for maturation?
Vila Nova de Gaia
What are the two broad styles among red Ports based on maturation vessels?
- Ruby styles
- Tawny styles
What characterizes ruby styles of Port when bottled?
Predominant primary fruit character
What happens to the primary fruit character in Tawny Ports as they age?
It fades, becoming raisiny and is accompanied by flavors of walnuts, coffee, chocolate, and caramel
What is the primary difference between Ruby and Tawny Ports?
Maturation process: Ruby Ports have minimal oxygen exposure, while Tawny Ports undergo long oxidative maturation
What type of Ports are typically blends of wines that are between one and three years old?
Ruby Ports
What is the minimum wood aging required for a Reserve Tawny?
Six years
What is a Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) Port?
Vintage wines aged for between four and six years before bottling
What must a Tawny Port with an indication of age have to qualify?
Undergo a long period of oxidative maturation in pipes
What is the typical aging process for Vintage Ports?
Aging prior to bottling takes place in large oak vessels or stainless steel tanks
What is a Single Quinta Vintage Port?
The product of a single estate, or quinta
What is the common perception of Single Quinta Vintage Ports compared to Vintage Ports?
Typically considered to be less prestigious but still high-quality wines
True or False: Most Ports are single varietal wines.
False
Fill in the blank: The spirit used in fortification is known as _______.
[aguardente]
What types of wines are commonly used in the production of inexpensive Tawny Ports?
Less heavily extracted or lighter wines from the Baixo Corgo
What is the typical composition of a Vintage Port?
A blend of the finest wines from a producer’s best vineyards
What is the significance of declaring a Vintage Port?
Producers must register their intention to release a Vintage Port in the second year after the harvest
What defines the aging potential of LBVs?
Most are fined and filtered and are ready to drink on release
What type of aging do Ruby Ports undergo?
Short aging in very large oak vessels or stainless steel tanks
