Port Wine in Porto

Port Wine in Porto

The first question from my careful and VERY discriminating readers:  Wass up wit like you know, Sherry and Port?  They’re like the same, right?

Before I answer that penetrating question from those addicted to the word “Like,” I offer one comment and some recommendations.  First, the comment:  You may not be old enough to drink and I’m going to have to see at least four forms of ID and a note from your like-mother.

Recommendations:  Such as, Almost, Possibly, Maybe and a blank space as reasonable alternatives.  Remaining deathly silent will be like a crowd pleaser.

But, for those brave souls who marched stoutly through puberty, I offer a thumbnail sketch of Sherry vs Port.  Feel free to ‘like’ like it or not. 

Port and Sherry are both fortified wines.

What is a ‘fortified wine?  Another question already?  Ok, I know it’s impolite to like-ask a question with a like-question.

The answer is quite simple.  Fortified means additional alcohol is added, which stops fermentation, leaving some residual sugar and a sweeter wine.  The further along the fermentation process is, the drier the fortified wine.  The additional alcohol is referred to as aquardente and may come in any form, from brandy to other distilled spirits.  The result is an alcohol content of 18 to 20%, as opposed to unfortified wine’s 11-13%.

Differences between sherry and port:  Sherry comes from Jerez in the extreme southern part of Spain.  Port comes from the Douro Valley in the north of Portugal.  Sherry is usually a blend of various vintages (the Solera Method), while Port is normally a single vintage.  Yes, there are more differences, but instead let’s concentrate on Port.

Port comes in these three varieties:  White, Ruby, and Tawny.   Vintage Ports are mostly of the Tawny variety, although I did acquire a 20 year old white Port.

As a rule, taste-wise, White tastes a bit lighter, Ruby is a bit heavier and sweeter, and Vintage Tawny is as smooth as the unexpected caress of the woman your wife warned you about.

BUT, if you’re eating dark chocolate, skip the caress and pair your indulgence with Ruby Port.  The blend of the two flavors will astonish you.

If you’re in Porto, Portugal and want to sample a variety, do what we did and drop in at Kopke, one of the oldest Port merchants in the city.  Cross the Douro River and  don't forget to read about the famous bridge.  Once you cross, look back for a beautiful view of the port. 

At Kopke, you’ll be seated at an elegant table and introduced to the wonders of Port, presented by an attractive and knowledgeable assistant, who will not only explain everything you’re tasting but supply breads, crackers, and chocolates to allow you to pair all your possible choices with food.

Yes, I could go into the glorious flavors of every variety, but you wouldn’t remember and taste is so personal.  I love a 40 year old Port (yes, we sold our car and gave right of first refusal on our first born), you may very well prefer a more modest vintage.  The pairing with dark chocolate and the applause of our taste buds also ‘forced’ us to a purchase a delightful Ruby Port as well.  The Kopke selections are nearly impossible to say no to.

So now it’s time for the quiz.  But, first… need a refill on that Port?  And another bit of luscious dark chocolate? 

Screw the quiz, you’re already an A student.