3 Reasons Why You Should Be Drinking Port
For centuries, people have been drinking Port, a fortified wine from the Douro Valley of Portugal that has countless appealing qualities. Port is typically sweet, but can also be dry, and is widely crafted in a red (ruby) style. However, it also comes in Tawny, which is an aged Port, and the more rare styles white and rosé.
Below is a breakdown of three excellent reasons as to why you should introduce (or re-introduce) Port into your wine world, or better yet, impress your wine lover and wine curious friends with something special.
The Rich History of Port
The history of Port is just as rich as its flavour profile! The Douro Valley in Portugal is one of the oldest protected wine regions in the world. In 1756, there were quality controls in place for the crafting of this fortified wine by the Companhia Geral da Agricultura das Vinhas do Alto Douro, so Port production has seen a long and respectable road for creating a high-quality, dependable product.
Graham’s has a deep history dating back to 1820 when the winery was founded. They use the finest grapes within the region for their Port production which has respectably placed them as one of the worlds’ most recognizable and beloved Port producers.
2. A Low-Alcohol Cocktail Ingredient
Not only does Port have much to offer in the flavour department to create interesting and delicious cocktails, but it typically sits at 20% abv., making it a desirable, low-alcohol alternative to its fiery spirit counterparts that clock in at 40% abv.
Here is one of my favourite Port cocktail recipes that brings an exciting new twist to the popular espresso martini:
Port Espresso Martini
1 oz. Graham’s 10 year old Tawny Port
1 oz. Coffee flavoured cream liqueur
Top with cold espresso
3. High Quality Production and Value
Quality has always been something that’s at the forefront of this luscious wine style production.
Today, there are quinta classifications in Douro based on the terroir of these vineyards. The classification system is controlled by the Instituto dos Vinhos do Douro e Porto (IVDP).
Graham’s sources their grapes from the finest estate quintas. The quality to price ratio, or QPR, is excellent. This means great bang for your buck!
Other ways to decipher quality levels on your Port bottle label are as follows:
Ruby Port classifications from lowest to highest: Ruby, Ruby Reserva, Crusted, Late Bottled Vintage, Vintage Single Quinta and Vintage.
Tawny Port classifications from lowest to highest: Tawny, Tawny Reserva, Tawny with age indication (10,20,30,40+) and Colheita.
* Late Bottled Vintage or LBV Port are wines from a certain vintage that see 4-6 years in oak prior to bottling.
Over the years, Port has been enjoyed as an aperitif, digestif, on its own, and paired with food. It has become an enjoyable to accompaniment to festive dinners and makes an exciting table addition at dinner parties.
Add a fun part of history and an exciting conversation piece to your next soirée with one of these Graham’s Port bottles available at the LCBO now.
Graham’s 2019 Late Bottled Vintage Port
The grapes for this Port that are primarily Touriga Franca and Touriga Nacional are sourced from the prime grape-growing lands from Graham’s estate vineyards in the Douro Valley, including their flagship vineyard - Quinta dos Malvedos. Wonderful depth with concentrated black fruit, dried fig, and dark chocolate notes. Rich, yet refined, and carries some oakiness adding to its rustic charm. Blackberries galore with a touch of dried herbs towards a long, drawn out finish. Pair with charcuterie.
Graham’s 10 Year Old Tawny Port
This 10 year old Tawny Port is a creation of three generational arts that Graham’s holds in the highest regard of its lineage: blending, cooperage, and aging. Lusciously sweet and well-balanced with an array of flavours including walnut, nutmeg, toffee and molasses. Pure liquid pleasure! Pair with sticky toffee pudding, apple or pumpkin pie.