The cellar index

WineCollection 51

Port

Sweet fortified wine with a spectrum from youthful ruby fruit to aged tawny complexity.

Origin & traditionDouro Valley, Portugal

Character & context

Understanding Port

Port is made by fortifying fermenting wine, retaining natural grape sweetness. Ruby, Reserve, LBV and Vintage styles emphasise different expressions of fruit and structure; tawny styles develop through wood ageing. White and rosé Port broaden the family further. A tawny age indication and a vintage year communicate different things.

Further reading: Instituto dos Vinhos do Douro e do Porto — Port categories

Read related observations