Following My Own Advice

by Dave Slayton

comes in dry, semi-dry, and white varieties. Port is classified as a fortified wine, meaning a clear grape spirit (brandy) is added during fermentation. This stops fermentation and preserves most of the grapes’ natural sugars, giving Port its signature sweet flavor profile. But be aware it also comes in dry, semi-dry, and white varieties. Other than Tawny, the most common types of port wine include; Ruby, Crusted, White, Pink, Late Bottled Vintage, Vintage, and Colheita.

For Tawny Port, the aging process is essential. While a Ruby Port will mature for a short time in large wooden vats and then in bottles, Tawny Ports will age for much longer in small casks before bottling. The wines undergo a steady, controlled oxidation process as the color fades from deep, hazy ruby to orange-amber-tawny. Tasting and blending an aged tawny is a continual process resulting in a wine with nutty, caramel, cinnamon, clove, fig, and raspberry flavors.

Let this match be your first Port of call for your next voyage of flavor discovery. Cheers!