Ports Wines

How is Port wine different from regular wine?

Port wines happen to have a higher alcohol content than regular wines. The higher alcohol content plays a vital role in how the wine tastes and is served. The average alcohol content in the U.S. is around 12% whereas a Port has 20%. Port wines are grown and manufactured in Portugal where it is sweet and fortified wines. Some ports are made with 80 grape varieties which makes the alcohol content higher. Order Port online and you will find a wide range to choose from on www.cwspirits.com! Port wine is for sale and one can find their favorite brands.

What kind of wine is port?

Port wine is a sweet fortified wine that yields from Portugal. Port wine uses a unique winemaking process. Portuguese wine is made by adding distilled grape spirits to the wine base. The alcohol stops the fermentation process which fortifies the wine and gives the wine a sweeter taste. The residual sugar is retained in the Port which gives the off-dry taste to the sweet profile. There are five different types of Ports - 

1. Ruby Port -  least expensive type of Port which is commonly produced. The wine is stored in stainless steel tanks and enjoyed young. 
2. Reserve and Rose Port - has a higher quality and taste. Best served cold. 
3. Tawny Port - made from wine-aged barrels. Has a wooden color to it which causes the wine to soak with the wooden color. The wood-aged gives a nutty and caramel flavor. 
4. White Port - made from Portuguese white grapes.  
5. Late-bottled Vintage Port - wine from a single year that is bottled between 4-6 years after its harvest. 

Port wine gives off rich and robust flavors in its finish. The alcohol content is higher which is why the serving size is smaller. 

What does Port Wine taste like?

Port wine has medium-tannins with flavors of ripe and musky raspberries and blackberries. The overall flavor has a bitter chocolate flavor or nutty caramel and butter. Older Ports have a higher concentration of dried fruit whereas the younger ports taste like light-bodied red fruits - strawberries and cherries. Port wines have a stronger alcohol content which can really get the drinker light-headed quicker.  

How to drink Port wine the right way?

Each Port wine has a specific temperature it needs to be in. Lighter colored ports need to be served around 50°F and Tawnies need to be chilled around 55°F. The best way to serve Port wine is by serving it slightly below room temperature (60°-64° F). Make sure not to go overboard or the wine will not be able to release its aromas and flavors. Too warm and the wine may not have the same aromatic properties and scents.

One needs to serve the Port wine in a Port wine glass. Upon opening one should pour the Port into a decanter to give the wine to breathe and release any natural sediment deposited in the wine. Late Bottled Vintage Ports don’t need to be decanted as they were already sitting in oak barrels for long periods of time. Buy Port wine online to insure your safety and save some money doing so.

What are some foods that pair well with Port wine?

Portuguese wine tastes different from food. Some amazing dishes are cooked when serving Port wines. Buy Port wine to make your meal filled with flavor!

Here are some popular dishes that go well with Port Wine:

1. White Port with Olives, Nuts, Cheeses, and Dried Fruits
2. Port with Surf & Turf
3. Port with Blue Cheese and Goat Cheese
4. White Port with Sushi, Salmon, and Seafood
5. Tawny Port with Peking Duk or Foie Gras
6. Port with Chocolate covered Strawberries
7. Port with Fruit Tarts
8. Port with Ice Cream and Sorbets

What are some best Port wines to drink?

Port wine brands have made a big presence over the decades. Some wines go for thousands of dollars on the market due to the effort and time it took to produce these prestigious bottles. Many wine drinkers prefer to purchase Port wines for their fine and rich taste. Here are some great Port wines to bring in the new year. 

Sandeman 40-Year-Old Tawny Port has a rich and fine taste. The complex aromas of vanilla, oak and honey combined with flavors of dried fruits, spices, and nuts mess well with this 40-year-old Port wine. This is a great wine to sip on after a meal. Sandeman has made a name for itself and has been a leader in Ports for years. 

Taylor Fladgate 20-Year-Old Tawny Port has a rich and delicious flavor that is balanced with rich and complex flavors. The smooth taste of toasted nuts, spice, dried fruits, and ginger really makes this wine a drinker’s choice. Great way to enjoy dessert or cheese platter. 

Dow’s Late Bottled Vintage Port provides a rich aroma of cocoa, blackberries, and mint. The wine really gives off a warm and floral presence. The wine was properly taken care of and fermented using state-of-the-art technology. 

These are great wines to drink before, during, and after meals. One can really enjoy great times and conversations with family and friends. These port wine brands' reputation has shined over the years with hard work ethic and motivation. Buy port wines and enjoy life!