Porto

The Douro region, which follows the course of the Douro River, spans from the border of Spain to roughly ninety kilometers away from the city of Porto. This mountainous area is shielded from Atlantic influence by the Serra do Marão, and typically experiences dry weather with cold winters and hot summers. Rainfall varies from moderate in the west to almost non-existent near the border, creating a somewhat desert-like environment.

This region is renowned for the creation of Port Wine, which has become the primary representative of national wines. In recent years, still wines from the Douro have also gained recognition and independence, adding to the region's fame.

Port Wine is divided into three main categories: White, Tawny, and Ruby. White Port is made from white grapes, while Tawny and Ruby are produced using red grapes. White Port can range in color from pale white to amber, while the Ruby family can range from light red to almost black. Tawny Port usually exhibits colors such as auburn, copper, and amber.

White

Characteristics

White ports are available in different levels of sweetness. Seco (dry) is relatively sweet, meio seco (medium dry) is moderately sweet, and doce is a beverage for those with a very sweet tooth. A new type of port, which is sweet, fortified, and rosé, is intended to be served chilled and consumed neat or in cocktails.

When and how to drink

White Ports are commonly consumed as an aperitif and can be enjoyed in various ways such as mixed with tonic, neat on ice, or used in cocktails. Additionally, there are pricier variations that are aged for longer periods in wooden barrels, which impart a nuttier flavor, and are best served chilled as an aperitif.

Tawny

Characteristics

Tawnies have an amber to brown hue and possess a nutty, dried fruit and fig flavor, which results from their slow and controlled oxidation in large wooden barrels or vats over several years. They are classified into two categories, Colheita which specifies a vintage and Aged Tawny, which declares the number of decades on the label ranging from 10 to 40 years. As the number of decades declared on the label increases, Aged Tawny becomes leaner and more spirited in taste.

When and how to drink

Colheitas and Aged Tawnies are most enjoyable when served cold, whether it's during summer or winter. They can be served as an aperitif or enjoyed as a post-meal drink, perhaps accompanied by walnuts as a snack. The 10 or 20-year-old varieties are particularly well-suited for pairing with Stilton cheese, and they also go perfectly with Portugal's famous Queijo Serra da Estrela.

Ruby

Characteristics

Ruby Ports are characterized by their deep red color, firm texture, and slightly sweeter, fruitier taste compared to tawny ports. They offer a distinct flavor profile that captures the sweet ripeness of the hot sun in the Douro Valley. In the past, vintage ports required aging for years to soften their tough tannins and high alcohol content. However, advancements in fortification methods and modern vineyard, cellar, and warehouse techniques have resulted in a more balanced, less tannic vintage port that can be enjoyed after just a few years. Despite this, vintage port will still continue to age and develop complexity over time. Other port categories include Crusted, Late-Bottled Vintage (LBV), Late Bottled, Reserve, Premium Ruby, and Ruby, which are all more modest in comparison.

When and how to drink

Images and descriptions courtesy of Wines of Portugal

Offerings from Porto DOC