STYLES OF PORT WINE EXPLAINED

Port never stops to amaze us but the misconception that the style and taste is all the same can steer some away. Although there are two major styles of Port; Tawny Port and Ruby-Style Ports, there are a variety of different styles. Port is generally a straight-forward process though winemakers add a grape-based spirit to their wine midway through the fermentation process. Port is then aged in barrels or vats, which can lead to many varieties. For all our white wine drinkers, there is White Port that is bright and refreshing, while for red wine drinkers, there is Ruby Port which offers a fruity tone, perfect for those who like a sweeter type of wine. Ruby Ports can become Reserved Ruby Ports when they are aged for 5 years, while Late-bottled Vintage Ports are reserve ruby ports made from wines that are single harvested. Reserved Tawny Ports are aged for one more year than the Reserve Ruby Port and has a nutty flavor. Lastly, there is the classic port of them all, the VIntage Port, that is bottled for a short time in large oak barrels that give a rich flavor offset by structured tannins. For more on these styles, click the link below!