Fireside Wine
Exploring Port
TASTE - December 17, 2009
On a biting cold night, nothing beats relaxing by a crackling fire savoring cheeses, chocolates and nuts. Like glowing embers, fortified wines warm your inner spirit and inspire contemplation.
Ports are shedding their image of wines sipped in wood paneled libraries by grey beards reposing in green leather chairs. Today men and women both young and old enjoy the sweet rich wines that are heavenly matches with holiday treats.
Color distinguishes Ruby Ports from Tawny Ports. Ruby, Vintage, and Late Bottled Vintage are the labels of deep purple-red Ruby Ports with their sweet scents of plum and spices. All are smooth matches for blue cheese, anything chocolate, dried fruits and salty nuts.
Tawny Ports have a mahogany color, and smell and taste of caramel, brandy and orange peels. The pungency of ripe cheese and the silky texture of chocolate bring to life their mellow, multi-layered complexity.
You needn't buy special glasses for these sublime but underappreciated wines. Pour no more than 2 ounces into a white wine glass to allow ample room for sniffing the enchanting aromas.
Next time you're huddling around a fire pit with friends, fortify the bond with a glass of Port. Explore these jolly good favorites bearing names as intriguing as their contents.
Graham's Six Grapes Ruby Porto Port (~$15)
One of the classic ruby ports, named for the symbol (reproduced on the label) of the six grape bunches that mark the barrels destined for this blend. Sweet, fruity, spicy, and fun.
2001 Taylor-Fladgate Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) Porto Port (~$19)
Grapes from a single year are blended, then left in the barrel for 2 to 4 years longer than a Vintage Port so that they are ready to drink earlier (the oak makes them softer). Full-bodied, sweet, spicy, complex and showing a hint of brandy.
Warre's Otima 10-Year Tawny Porto (~$20 -500 ml bottle)
Mellow, sweet, nutty and caramely. This super smooth dessert wine is an all-time favorite.
Wine mark-ups and prices vary, and, as such, Wine Country Minute 00:60 cannot guarantee the accuracy of the listed prices. Please check around to find the best price and availability.
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