While we certainly advocate for enjoying great Port wine all year long, the festive season is undoubtedly the time when most people turn to this beloved Portuguese treat.
Port, or Vinho do Porto officially, is fortified wine made from grapes grown in the Douro Valley, typically aged and bottled in the city of Vila Nova de Gaia across the river from Porto.
The two main styles to understand are Ruby and Tawny, which differ in the manner of their ageing. Tawny Ports spend longer in oak barrels, where slow oxidation gives them their paler, brick-like colour and develops more dried-fruit, nutty and earthy aroma. Most Tawny Port is sold with an age statement (10 Year Old Tawny for example) which refers to the average age of Port in the blend, but vintage-dated Tawny, known as Colheita, can be found as well. Ruby Ports (which includes Vintage and Late Bottled Vintage) spend less time in wood, producing wines with intense ripe fruit notes and more tannic structure. Among these, Vintage Port is intended for long ageing in bottle, while other styles of Port wine are released ready to drink.
Eirados Fine Ruby Port NV - £14.50
From Quinta Santa Eufemia on the banks of the Douro, the Eirados Fine Ruby displays typical rich black and red fruit alongside chocolate and prune notes from 4 years ageing in large oak casks. The young and intense style makes this ideal for pairing with strong and blue cheeses without being overpowered.
Kopke 10 Year Old Tawny - £14.95 (half bottle)
Producing port since 1638, Kopke are recognised as the finest specialists when it comes to wood-aged Port wines. The 10 Year Old Tawny is the perfect introduction to the style, displaying delicious layers of sultana, dried fig, praline and baking spices. Medium-bodied with nice balancing freshness on the long, delicately sweet finish. As it is a more subtle and savoury palate, I recommend serving lightly chilled and drinking this on its own to enjoy its complexity to the fullest.
Quinta de la Rosa Late Bottled Vintage 2018 - £24.75 (50cl bottle) Sustainable
A single estate producer of Port and unfortified wines (and olive oil and beer!), the Quinta de la Rosa uniquely encompasses vineyards from the riverbank of the Douro up to 450m altitude, giving them a diverse range of microclimates to grow their grapes. From an outstanding, warm vintage, this LBV was aged four years in casks before bottling in 2022. Floral notes of violet and lavender, black cherry liqueur and a cool slate minerality to the finish with round, refined tannin. Excellent paired with mature cheddar or sweet, fruity puddings such as plum crumble or Christmas cake.
The pinnacle of ruby style Port wines, Vintage Port is only produced in exceptional years and is typically bottled with minimal oak ageing in anticipation of a long life in bottle. A producer since 1865, Krohn's Vintage Port is based on the finest grapes grown at their Quinta do Retiro Novo estate, on the Rio Torto tributary south of the Douro. 2003 was one of the hottest years in the Douro's history, giving a Vintage Port of unparalleled intensity and richness. The two decades since bottling have softened the robust tannins to reveal a wine rich in delectable black and blue fruit notes, accompanied by leather, cocoa, cigar tobacco and warming spices from the maturity. We recommend standing Vintage Port upright for a day before decanting as they drop a lot of sediment during the ageing process. Enjoy over a long evening with great company and pair with decadent chocolate desserts.
Quinta de la Rosa Port Tasting Set - £28.95
If you are now feeling eager to try the many different styles of Port, but don't fancy buying a full bottle of each, we have just the thing for you. A selection of 50ml tasters from Quinta de la Rosa, including their Extra Dry White, Finest Reserve, LBV 2018 and a 10 and 20 Year Old Tawny! An excellent gift idea, this lets you experience the wealth of variety in Port styles and discover the fresh and elegant house style of this superb producer.
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