Porte

Long-standing Port Wine Expertise: Taylor's, Niepoort, Churchills & Trenz

The red Port wine, sometimes also white wine, comes from the Douro Valley in Portugal.

Warm summers and cold winters. This is how the approximately 30 permitted grape varieties for the popular wines from Portugal ripen along the river.

Among them

• Tinta Roriz (a synonym for the red wine Tempranillo),
• Gouveio,
• Touriga Nacional,
• Touriga Francia,
• Tinta Cão,
• Tinta Barroca
• and Síria.

The name Port wine, however, refers to the port city of Porto. Here, Port wine is traditionally stored in cellars, often in gigantic barrels.

From Porto, the ships, loaded with the long-lasting port, set off in all directions. And that is the origin of why Port wine is what it is. A seemingly eternally shelf-stable sweet wine, that easily endures long voyages.

By sea, the Vinho do Porto reaches various ports on the mainland of Europe. And thus also the tastes of the connoisseurs.

English, Dutch, Germans were eager for the fruity sweet wine from the Douro Valley. Therefore, they built storage facilities in the port of Porto.

The Port wine is thus firmly in the hands of major investors.

Taylor's, Niepoort, Churchills, Trenz - names that sound little Portuguese. But with first-class and long-standing expertise in production.

Production, Types, Taste of Port Wine (Vinho do Porto)

Fortification, or adding brandy, turns wine into Port wine. During fermentation, high-proof brandy is added to the must in a ratio of 1 to 4. This kills the yeast cells and stops fermentation.

What remains is the residual sugar, which manifests in the delicate sweetness of the port. When the Port wine reaches the necessary alcohol content of 19 to 22% vol., the sweet wine is ready for storage.

Initially for half a year in the Douro Valley. Afterwards, in the cellars near Porto for at least two more years. In large wooden barrels that can hold up to 550 liters, the Port wine matures until the first tasting. This is where further procedures develop.

If the vintage appears mediocre, there is a great risk of flavor loss with prolonged storage. This Port wine becomes Ruby. Ruby Port stays in the barrel for a short time and is then bottled ready for drinking.

Better vintages gain flavor and aromas from longer storage. The port remains in the barrel until it is filled in a pipe (small barrel for faster oxidation) or bottle. Depending on the container, the Port wine matures to different classes. For example, Old Tawny and Colheita come from the pipe. In the bottle, it develops into LBV (Late Bottled Vintage), Crusted Port, and Vintage Character.

Absolute top vintages, when recognized by the Port Wine Institute, are considered Vintage. Ports of this quality class are bottled as quickly as possible and stored for at least 10 years. Flavor-wise, the Vintage Ports develop over the decades.

Port Wine Variants

The differences in Port wine variants lie in the timing and container of storage. Depending on this, different classes of Port wine arise:

1. Ruby is a young, fruity Port wine that matures in wooden barrels and comes to market after a few years. In its bouquet, fruity berries and forest aromas present themselves.
2. Tawny matures longer, both in wooden barrels and in small pipes. The amber to golden body of this dessert wine shows nuances of dried fruits, nuts, and plums. These result from contact with air.
3. Colheita is considered a specialty and ages for at least 7 years in wooden barrels. As a result, it acquires a very spicy note. Unlike many other Port wines, Colheita is not a blend of several vintages.

Our Port Wine Recommendation

Tawny Port - Osborne

From the finest grape varieties of the Douro Valley comes the Tawny Port from Osborne. It shows a wonderfully golden-brown color. The fully ripe and sweet body is complemented by subtle hints of honey and wood. The Tawny matures for 4 years in small pipe oak barrels. It is a great finish after any meal.

Vintage Port 2011 - Churchill's

From the premier class comes the Vintage Port from Churchill’s Estate. It convinces with a deep dark red play of colors and a complex bouquet. Ripe dark berries with strong spice and nuances of fine chocolate provide a harmonious experience. Perfect with dried fruits and sweet baked goods, or simply for storage for several decades.

What is the best Port wine?

The supposedly best Port wine carries a proud price tag of around €100,000 and comes from Niepoort. For those who do not have the necessary funds for such expensive Port wines, the Vintage Ports are worth it. These are generally considered the best Port wines. Only great vintages are declared Vintage vintages. But: until the Vintage Ports reach their full potential, they need some aging. Well and good 10 to 50 years.

Buy Port Wine Online at VINELLO

A ship is already departing from Porto to deliver your Port. Through our wine shipping service VINELLO, it is guaranteed to arrive safely and quickly at your home. Order Port wine easily and affordably, via insured shipping, and enjoy the delicious dessert wine from Portugal.

Experience sweet harmony or store top Port wine for a special occasion. From Alto Douro to you – a sweet journey from VINELLO, your online wine shop for delightful drops.