Port Wine - Vinho do Porto

Many years of port wine expertise: Taylor's, Niepoort, Churchills & Trenz

The red wine, rarely also white wine, comes from the Douro valley in the interior of Portugal. In warm summers and cold winters, the vineyards along the river grow the approximately 30 grapes approved for the popular Portuguese wine. Among them Tinta Roriz (a synonym for the German Tempranillo), Gouveio, Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francia, Tinta Cão, Tinta Barroca and Síria. However, the name Port Wine refers to the port city of Porto, where port wine is traditionally stored in the large wineries, some of which have gigantic barrels. From Porto the ships, loaded with the durable port, set sail in all directions. 

And there lies the origin of why port wine is what it is today. A sweet wine that seems to last forever and can easily cope with long crossings. By sea, Vinho do Porto reaches all the ports of mainland Europe, and with it the tastes of connoisseurs. The English, Dutch, and Germans were greedy for the fruity sweet wine from the Douro Valley and built up branches in the port district of Porto. Port wine firmly in the hands of international investors. Taylor's, Niepoort, Churchills, Trenz - names that sound little Portuguese, but with first-class and long-standing expertise in production. 

Production, types, taste of port wine (Vinho do Porto)

Fortification turns wine into port wine. During fermentation, high-proof brandy is added to the must, in a ratio of 1 to 4, to kill the yeast cells and thus stop the fermentation. What remains is the residual sugar, which manifests itself in the fine sweetness of the port. When the port wine reaches its prescribed alcohol level of 19 to 22%, the sweet wine is ready for storage. First for half a year in the Douro Valley, then in the cellars near Portos for at least two more years. In the large wooden barrels, which hold up to 550 liters, the port wine matures until the first tasting, where the further procedure is crystallized.

If the vintage appears mediocre, there is a high risk of loss of flavor during long storage and the port wine becomes a Ruby. Ruby Port remains in the barrel for a short time and is then bottled ready to drink.

Better vintages gain in aroma and taste through longer storage. The port therefore remains in the barrel until it is either filled into the pipe, a small barrel for faster oxidation, or bottled. Depending on the container, the port wine matures to different classes. From the pipe, for example, Old Tawny and Colheita are produced, and in the bottle it develops into LBV (Late Bottled Vintage), Crusted Port and Vintage Character.

Absolute top vintages, if recognized by the Port Wine Institute, are considered vintage. Ports of this quality class are bottled as soon as possible and stored for at least 10 years. The taste of vintage port wines develops over decades.

The differences between the port wine varieties are therefore in the time and container of storage. Depending on this, the character of the port wine varies:

• Ruby is a young, ruby red and fruity port wine, which matures in a wooden barrel and is sold after only a few years in bottles. Its bouquet presents fruity berries and forest aromas.

• Tawny matures longer, both in wooden barrels and in small pipes. The amber to golden body of the dessert wine, works with nuances of dry fruits, nuts and plums, resulting from contact with air.

• Colheita is considered a speciality and matures for at least 7 years in wooden barrels, giving it a very spicy note. Unlike many other port wines, Colheita is not a cuvée from several vintages.

Our port wine recommendation 

Tawny Port - Osborne

The Tawny Port of Osborne comes from the finest grape varieties of the Douro Valley, with a wonderful light golden brown color, a fully mature and sweet body, with subtle hints of honey and wood. The Tawny matures for 4 years in small wooden barrels and presents itself after each meal as an excellent finish.

Vintage Port 2011 - Churchill's

From the top category comes the Vintage Port 2011 from Churchill's Estate, with a deep dark red color play and a complex bouquet. Ripe dark berries with strong spice and nuances of fine chocolate, provide a balanced experience between taste and structure. Suitable for dry fruits and sweet pastries or simply for storage - for several decades. 

Worth knowing facts about Port Wines

What is port wine?

Port wine is a Portuguese dessert wine from the Douro Valley, named after the port city of Porto from which port wine was shipped. Port wine, also called Port or Vinho do Porto, is a wine made from mostly red grapes, to which 77% vol. brandy is added during fermentation to stop the fermentation. The remaining residual sugar is responsible for the sweet character of port wine.

How do you drink port wine?

Port wine is served differently depending on the class. White port is drunk chilled before the meal. Ruby and Tawny Port is suitable as a dessert wine at room temperature. It is best to use a half-filled tulip-shaped glass, so that the aromas can develop perfectly. As an aperitif, a dash of lemon is often added to the port wine.

What does port wine taste like?

Port wine is characterized by its unmistakable sweetness. Depending on how it is aged, the port can also have other diverse flavors. Ruby Port captivates with intensive forest fruits and fruity berries. Tawny is less fruity and expresses itself in nuances of plums, nuts, marzipan and dates.

Why do you drink port wine?

Port wine is considered a dessert wine and is therefore often served after a meal. The best port wines complement all kinds of dishes. Especially variations of cheese and nuts complement port.

How do you store port wine?

Port wine can be stored well. Vintage Port in particular is known to take decades to develop its full potential. The storage place should generally be dark and have a constant temperature of 10-12°C. Port wine is stored lying down.

How long does an open bottle of Port wine last?

Vintage and Crusted Port should be decanted after opening. Afterwards it is advisable to consume the port wine quickly. Tawny and Colheita Port, on the other hand, are stable when exposed to air and can be kept for weeks after opening. 

Buy Port wine online at VINELLO

A ship with sweet port wine is already leaving Porto to deliver your port. Via VINELLO it is also guaranteed to arrive safely and quickly at your home. Order port wine cheap and uncomplicated, via climate-neutral and insured shipping and enjoy the delicious dessert wine from Portugal. Buy high quality port wine on VINELLO and enjoy the variety of the Portuguese specialty. Experience sweet harmony or store top quality port wine for a special event. From Alto Douro to you - a sweet journey from Vinello.de, your wine online store for fun-loving wines.