Porto, high-quality wines, famous worldwide.
- In Oporto we can find 14 wineries to visit.
- 3 towns here have wineries.
Porto, also known as Oporto, is a city in northern Portugal and the namesake of one of the world's most famous fortified wines, Port wine (Vinho do Porto or simply Porto). Here's what you should know about Port wine:
1. Origin and Region:
Port wine is produced in the Douro Valley, located in the northern part of Portugal, particularly in the province of Douro and the surrounding areas.
The city of Porto, situated at the mouth of the Douro River, is historically significant as a major shipping hub for Port wine.
2. Grape Varieties:
Port wine is typically made from a blend of grape varieties. Some of the most common grape varieties used include Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz (known as Tempranillo in Spain), and Tinta Barroca.
The unique combination of these grape varieties contributes to the complexity and character of Port wine.
3. Fortification:
Port wine is a fortified wine, which means that a distilled grape spirit, typically brandy, is added to the wine during the fermentation process. This addition of spirit stops the fermentation, leaving residual sugars and resulting in a higher alcohol content.
The fortification process also preserves the natural sweetness of the grapes.
4. Styles of Port Wine:
There are several styles of Port wine, including:
Ruby Port: A young and fruity Port wine that is aged in stainless steel or concrete tanks. It retains its vibrant red color.
Tawny Port: Aged in wooden barrels, Tawny Port develops a more oxidized color and a nuttier, caramel-like flavor.
Vintage Port: The highest quality and most sought-after Port wine, Vintage Ports are made from the best grapes of a single exceptional year and are aged in the bottle for many years before release.
Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) Port: These are high-quality Ports from a single vintage that have been aged for an extended period in barrels before bottling.
White Port: Made from white grape varieties, White Port is a lighter and slightly sweet alternative to red Port.
Rosé Port: A relatively new style, Rosé Port is made from red grapes but with a shorter period of skin contact, resulting in a pink or rosé color.
5. Serving and Pairing:
Port wine is often enjoyed as a dessert wine but can also be paired with various foods. Ruby and Tawny Ports are versatile for pairing with chocolate, cheeses, and desserts.
Vintage Ports are typically served on their own and should be decanted before consumption. They have aging potential and can continue to develop in the bottle for decades.
6. Port Wine Houses:
Porto is home to several renowned Port wine houses, including Graham's, Taylor's, Sandeman, and Dow's, among others. These houses offer tours and tastings, providing insights into the history and production of Port wine.
7. Aging Potential:
Vintage Ports and high-quality Tawny Ports have significant aging potential, and some vintages can continue to improve for many years if stored properly in a cool, dark cellar.
Port wine is not just a beverage; it's a symbol of Portuguese winemaking tradition and craftsmanship. A visit to Porto offers an opportunity to explore the heritage of this iconic wine and enjoy tastings at historic cellars along the Douro River.
