Port - WSET L3 in Wines Flashcards
What is Port wine, and how is it made?
Port is a fortified sweet wine made by adding grape spirit to stop fermentation, retaining natural grape sugars.
Where is Port produced?
n the Douro Valley, Portugal, with key activities centered in Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia.
What are the three sub-regions of the Douro Valley?
Baixo Corgo, Cima Corgo, and Douro Superior.
What is the climate of the Douro Valley?
Warm continental, shielded from Atlantic winds by the Serra do Marão mountains.
What makes viticulture possible in the Douro Valley?
Schist bedrock, which fractures vertically, allowing vine roots to access deep water reserves.
How does the topography of the Douro Valley affect viticulture?
Steep slopes require terracing systems like socalcos, patamares, and vinha ao alto.
What are socalcos?
Traditional narrow terraces supported by stone walls, with no mechanization possible.
What are patamares?
Wider terraces without walls, allowing limited mechanization with tractors.
What is vinha ao alto?
Vines planted up and down slopes, used on gentler inclines, but prone to erosion.
What are the five preferred grape varieties for premium Port?
Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, and Tinto Cão.
What are the characteristics of Touriga Nacional?
High tannins, concentrated black fruit flavors, and floral aromas.
How does Touriga Franca contribute to Port blends?
Adds structure, ripe red fruit, and floral notes.
How is Port fermentation stopped?
By adding grape spirit (aguardente) when alcohol reaches 5-9%, preserving sweetness.
What is the typical alcohol level of Port after fortification?
19-22% ABV.
Why is a high volume of grape spirit used in Port?
To achieve the desired alcohol level, as the spirit is limited to 77% ABV.
What is foot treading in Port production?
Traditional method where grapes are crushed by foot in shallow granite troughs (lagares).
What are autovinifiers?
Sealed vats where CO₂ pressure pushes juice over the cap, enhancing extraction.
What are robotic lagares?
Machines that mimic foot treading using robotic “feet” in shallow tanks.
Where does Port typically mature?
In Vila Nova de Gaia, where the cooler coastal climate supports slow aging.
What are pipes in Port production?
Wooden barrels used for aging, promoting oxidative development.
What are the two broad styles of Port?
Ruby styles (primary fruit focus) and Tawny styles (oxidative aging).
What are Ruby Ports?
Young, simple wines aged briefly in large tanks to preserve primary fruit.
What is Reserve Ruby Port?
A higher-quality Ruby with more concentration, aged slightly longer.
What is Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) Port?
A single-vintage Port aged 4-6 years, often filtered and ready to drink.
What is Vintage Port?
A flagship wine from a single vintage, capable of aging for decades in bottle.
What defines Tawny Port?
Aged in small barrels for oxidative maturation, developing nutty and caramel flavors.
What are Tawny Ports with an age indication?
Ports labeled 10, 20, 30, or 40 years, representing average age and oxidative complexity.
What is the flavor profile of aged Tawny Ports?
Raisins, walnuts, coffee, chocolate, and caramel.
What is a Single Quinta Vintage Port?
A vintage Port from a single estate (quinta), often released in non-declared years.
How should Ruby-style Ports be served?
Slightly chilled, at 12-16°C, to enhance fruit freshness.
How should Tawny Ports be served?
At 10-14°C, highlighting their oxidative complexity.
How long can a Vintage Port age in bottle?
Decades, developing tertiary aromas like prune, leather, and wet leaves.
How often are Vintage Ports declared?
Typically 3 times per decade, only in exceptional years.
What are the main viticultural challenges in the Douro Valley?
Steep slopes, erosion, low rainfall, and extreme temperatures.
What causes the color change in Tawny Port?
Oxidation during long barrel aging.
How does aging in Vila Nova de Gaia differ from the Douro Valley?
Gaia’s cooler, more humid climate slows aging, while the Douro’s heat accelerates it.
What are the main styles of Port?
White, red (Ruby and Tawny styles), and rosé.
What is the climate of Baixo Corgo?
Coolest and wettest sub-region, producing lighter wines.
What is the climate of Cima Corgo?
Warmer and drier, producing high-quality, concentrated Ports.
What is the climate of Douro Superior?
Hottest and driest sub-region, with fewer vineyards but high-quality potential.
What percentage of spirit is typically used to fortify Port?
Port is fortified with a spirit at 77% ABV.
What are the main Ruby-style Ports?
Ruby, Reserve Ruby, Late Bottled Vintage (LBV), and Vintage Port.
What are the main Tawny-style Ports?
Tawny, Tawny with age indications (10, 20, 30, 40 years).
What distinguishes Ruby from Tawny Port?
Ruby is aged to preserve fresh fruit flavors, while Tawny undergoes oxidative aging for nutty, caramel notes.
What is a pipe barrel in Port production?
A traditional wooden barrel used for aging Port, typically holding 550 liters.
How does aging in pipes influence Tawny Port?
Increases oxidation, enhancing flavors of nuts, dried fruit, and toffee.
Why does Vintage Port develop sediment?
It is bottled unfiltered, allowing tannins and pigments to settle over time.
How should sediment in Vintage Port be managed?
By carefully decanting the wine before serving.
Name three exceptional Vintage Port years from the 21st century.
2000, 2003, 2007, 2011.
Why are Single Quinta Vintage Ports unique?
They are made from a single estate, showcasing specific terroirs in non-declared years.
