Wine
Port
True Port comes only from the Douro river region of Portugal. Produced from many different varietals, this wine is fortified with brandy resulting in a higher-alcohol (typically 19 to 21%) sweet dessert wine. Port style wines are also produced in the New World, typically with varietals common to such regions.
Flavor Descriptors
Food Pairings
Ruby
Chocolate, blue cheeses, nuts, dried fruits.
Tawny
Cakes with caramel or butterscotch, nuts, dried fruits, mild chocolate.
Buying, Storing, & Serving
Port should be served at room temperature. Aged Vintage Port should be decanted slowly to pour the wine off its sediment.
Vintage Ports are at their best between fifteen and thirty years from vintage date. Most other examples are ready to drink when released, although some Late Bottled Vintage examples can improve for several years.
Store bottles in a cool, dark place on their sides in order to keep the cork moist.