Tawny Port vs Port: What’s the Difference?
In the world of wine, you’ve come across the terms “Port” and “Tawny Port” a few times, but how are they different? Port is a broad category of Portuguese fortified wines. Tawny Port is a subcategory – or style – of Port. Named for its reddish-brown color, Tawnies are sweet, high alcohol wines with nuts, […]
Alcohol’s Influence on Wine Aging Potential
You’re right to think that alcohol has something to do with a wine’s aging potential. Wines with higher alcohol levels (+14%) can usually age longer than lower-alcohol wines (under 14%). Alcohol acts as a natural preservative and antioxidant in wine. Examples include Amarone, Port, Madeira, and Shiraz. Some lower-alcohol wines can also age, though, like […]
Vintage Port Wine: What You Need to Know
Dive deep in the Duoro Valley of Portugal and you’ll discover a delectable nectar: Vintage Port wine. But what is it? Vintage Port is a Portuguese fortified red wine made from a single, exceptional year. Made from a blend of red grapes, the wine spends no more than 2 years in barrel before bottling. Vintage […]
Vintage vs Late Bottled Vintage Port
The world of Port doesn’t really do itself any favors by having so many similar sounding styles. But understanding the difference between two classics – Late Bottled Vintage and Vintage – is worth knowing. Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) and Vintage Ports are different. LBVs age 4-6 years and are ready to drink. Vintages age up […]
Late Bottled Vintage Port: Everything You Need to Know
When it comes to Port wine, Late Bottled Vintage Port is a popular choice among wine enthusiasts who want to splurge – sort of… Late Bottled Vintage Port (LBV) is a sweet, red, fortified wine made from grapes grown in the same year in Portugal’s Duoro Valley. Aged at least 4 years before bottling, LBVs […]
Port Wine Glasses: What You Need to Know
Are you a Port wine enthusiast wondering which glassware will help you enjoy this hedonistic wine’s rich and sweet flavors to their fullest? Port wine glasses are an actual thing (and I have thoughts on them). Traditional Port glasses are smaller than standard glasses. You pour less wine thanks to Port’s high alcohol content. Port […]
Port vs Sherry: Which Will You Pick?
If you’re wondering about the differences between Sherry and Port, then you’re in the right place! Port and Sherry are fortified wines but use different grapes and winemaking methods. Port is sweet, full-bodied, with dark fruit, licorice, and leather. Sherry is dry or sweet, low acid, with citrus and nuts. Port is higher in alcohol […]
How Is Port Made?
Port wines have a prestigious heritage in the world of fortified wines and should definitely be in your wine-drinking repertoire. Port is made by adding distilled grape spirit called aguardente during the fermentation process. This results in a sweet fortified wine. Only wines made in Portugal’s Douro Valley can be called Port. There are many […]