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"Warm up with a Port"
This is the time of the year you just want to stay in and keep warm with family or friends. One of the wines to explore in this frigid weather is a Port. The wine is fortified, full-bodied and perfect for taking the chill out of your bones. Ports can be made in a sweet or dry style but most often the sweeter style is of preference. During fermentation pure spirits(usually grape) are added which kills the yeast and raises the alcohol. With the yeast now out of the picture you have the residual sugar left which makes for a nice sweet wine. Ports are anywhere from 18% to 22% alcohol by volume. Ruby Port is bottle aged with lots of Cherry, blackberry, blueberry aromas and flavors to them. Think of a fresh fruit style. Tawny Port is barrel aged with more caramel, toffee, coffee and hazelnut aromas and flavors. Both styles are quite enjoyable so take some time to taste more than one type. If you want to dive into the most complex of these wines a vintage Port is the way to go. These wines are only made in the greatest of vintages and usually only see two years of aging. The rule of thumb is to give these wines at least a decade before drinking, so a great wine to cellar. A Late Bottled Vintage Port is another type that will be less expensive than the vintage but give you a taste similar to its big brother at a fraction of the cost. For the pinnacle of all Tawny Ports look for an aged Tawny. 10, 20, 30 and 40 year olds can be found and the aging is done for year. These wines are made to drink upon release. Ports can be enjoyed by themselves or with nuts, dry fruits, salty cheese(Blue vein) or chocolate deserts. Here is a list of some of my favorites for under 30 dollars a bottle.
1) Noval"Raven"Special Reserve, Portugal - This producer has been making Port in the Douro region since 1715. Gorgeous deep red color with aromas of cherry and spice. Flavors of strawberry, plum and maple syrup coat the palate. Great for the money and a good introduction. 500ml
2) Smith Woodhouse Lodge Reserve, Portugal - This wine gets a best buy in many of the wine magazines and for the price is superb. Deep ruby color with aromas of nuts, plum and chocolate tones. Flavors of blackberry, cassis and spice linger in the mouth with a long lasting finish. Awesome for under 30 bucks.
3) Ficklin Old Vine Tinta Port, California - Established in 1946, Ficklin is one of the greatest names in Port in our country. A multiple double Gold medal winner across the land. Aromas and flavors of spice, caramel, vanilla and dark plums. This Solera blend is a must try for all serious Port drinkers.
4) Ramos Pinto Collector, Portugal - This wine is a blend of vintages aged in oak for six years. Red with a touch of orange brown on the rim shows the wines age. Aromas and flavors of figs, pepper and berry notes coat the palate. Nice structure and excellent finish.
Hope you find a gem in the bunch!
Sommelier
Jeff Anderson
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