In the north of Portugal, Around the Alto Duero, one of the most outstanding wines in Europe is produced. It is classified within the category of fortified or fortified wines and stands as a benchmark for the best wine cellars. It is none other than him port wine.
These wines have a very powerful aroma and a very characteristic sweetness. How could it be otherwise, its flavor and qualities are defined by the grape used in its production. In its ink mode, they are used Roriz ink, Borroca ink, Touriga and Cão ink. For its part, to obtain the white, Rabigato, Gouveio, Malvasía Dourada and Malvasia Fina are the chosen ones.
It falls within the fortified category as it is a wine that alcohol is added during the fermentation process. In the case of port, this addition occurs when all the sugar in the grape has not yet dissolved, which is why it ends up having a sweet taste. Specifically, a neutral wine alcohol with a graduation of 77% is incorporated.
With this process, the yeast that ferments the grapes does not survive, so the fermentation stops. In order for the port to have its characteristic flavour, a proportion of about 115 liters of alcohol for every 435 of winealthough this can vary depending on the winery and the type of wine being produced.
Subsequently, they are distinguished two styles depending on the method used to age them. On the one hand, there are those that are matured in sealed bottles -reductive maturation- and those that are matured in oak barrels with slight contact with oxygen -oxidative maturation-.
This wine is distinguished from other fortified wines such as Sherry on several points. First of all, Sherry only works with white grapes of three types. On the other hand, port is sweeter because the fermentation stops when there is still sugar left, unlike in Spanish. Finally, Portuguese has, in general, higher percentage of alcohol.
Bodegas Ramos Pinto
This winery takes the name of its founder, Adriano Ramos Pinto, who created it at the end of the 19th century. It is one of the most outstanding of this type of wines and became in its own right one of the main wine exporters to South America.
The innovative touch is intrinsic to Ramos Pinto, as they have sought to modernize wine production techniques over the years, as well as the sales systems for their products. In addition to port, he also works douro.
Sandeman Winery
The easiest way to recognize the brand is through the homonymous character, which is present in all the company’s products: the Sandeman’s Giftdressed in a black Portuguese cape and a Spanish hat.
The brand born in 1790 when George Sandeman took a loan from his father and began marking his barrels to differentiate his wine from the others. His expansion has led him to acquire vineyards in different places such as Jerez, but always maintaining the family essence. Not surprisingly, it is today the seventh generation of the Sandemans who runs the firm.
Ferreira Winery
At the foot of the Duero, this winery has installed since 1751 their headquarters in an old convent, in which they organize spectacular tours of its interior to learn about its history. Its wines are among the highest quality in the country and, in addition to port, it is dedicated to table wines.
Ferreira has earned by right to be known as the wine company of reference in ports and Douro Grand Class, being one of the great flag-bearers of Portugal abroad.
Calem Winery
This brand is one of the most popular in the Porto area, partly thanks to the privileged location of its wineries, next to the Luis I bridge in Vila Nova de Gaia. This is precisely one of its secrets, since its wines maintain the same process that was used more than four generations ago.
Its logo is a caravel as a sign of its history exporter of wines to South America since it was founded by António Alves. In this way, they maintain a strong memory of their beginnings as a reference for the future.
Where to buy port wines
Cálem Fine Tawny Porto
This wine from the Cálem winery belongs to the Fine Tawny variety, fruit of the mixture of wines with various levels of maturation. From this set comes a tasty and aromatic wine with a precise touch of sweetness. Perfect to accompany a good dessert. The bottle contains 75 cl and can be purchased at Bodeboca for 9.50 euros.
Ferreira Ruby Porto
The Ferreira house brings this Ruby variety wine, with a characteristic deep ruby color. Its mixture achieves an ideal balance of sweetness with a fruity aroma. Enjoy this spectacular wine in a batch of 6 bottles of 750 ml for 51.50 euros on Amazon.
Ferreira Ruby Port Wine – Fortified Wine- 6 Bottles
Ramos Pinto Tawny Porto
This Tawny from the Ramos Pinto winery is one of the most refined on the market. its scent to nuts and blackberry compote You are perfect to take it after dessert. In addition, it is one of the best valued wines by specialists. Get your 75 cl bottle for 41.39 euros at Lavinia
Ramos Pinto, Porto Tawny Quinta da Ervamoira
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