Port wine or, as it is called, Porto - Portuguese fortified wine that is produced in the valley of the river Douro (Douro). Only wines produced by special technology from grapes grown in this region can be called port wine. This port - a noble beverage, which is kept for a long time, the wine has acquired a special taste and rich aroma.

History of the Portuguese drink

Legend has it that the famous Portuguese wine owes its appearance of a conflict between the English and the French. At the end of the XVII century, French King Louis XIV forbade his subjects to sell wine to the English. But the English aristocracy was not ready to give up refined alcohol: started looking for other suppliers of drinks.

Portuguese winemakers have expressed their willingness to provide the British wine. But there were unforeseen difficulties: transportation of wine takes time, and the quality of noble drinks will inevitably decreased. Then the Portuguese invented to add to the guilt of a small amount of good brandy to stop the fermentation process. Thus was born a new drink - strong and sweet port wine.

This wine has become so popular that the market immediately appeared forgery. As a result, in the middle of the XVIII century, a law was passed, according to which port wine can be called a wine produced in the valley of the River Douro. The name of the new drink was given in honor of the city of Porto, which is located a hundred kilometers from the vineyards. Why did it happen - is not known: whether Porto confused with the settlement of Vila Nova de Gaia, where in fact produced wine, or just the name of the drink sounded so solid and attractive.

Birth wine

The climate in the valley of the River Douro is different softness: the grapes on the steep hillsides is brewing under the scorching sun. Due to this the autumn berries are very sweet. For the production of port wine are used only two specific varieties of white grapes and nine varieties of red.

The grapes are harvested in late September - early October. In the past, the grapes on the steep slopes of the mountains going by hand. Thereafter crop crushed stone feet in special tanks and allowed to natural fermentation started. From the period of fermentation depended on the sweetness of the final beverage.

Further in the future port added grape spirit (brandy) - is slowing down, and then completely stopped the process of fermentation. This unfermented sugar remains in the wine, which gave him a kind of sweet taste. After that, the wine was poured into barrels, blended (mixed different varieties) kept in huge barrels-casks. Term Exposure varied from three to forty years. This excerpt port forms its distinctive rich flavor.

Over time, the technology has changed. But to this day in some mountainous areas for the production of Port wine grapes can be harvested only by hand. This can not but affect the value of the port. However, crushed grapes in our time is, of course, not his feet, and special machines. In the future port make a proven method for centuries: the wine is kept in barrels and blended different varieties, achieving the perfect taste.

Categories and grades

The best port wine is assigned to the category «Vintage Port» (Vintage Port). It blends wine a year. On the wine label «Vintage Port» indicate the date of harvest, the date of bottling of wine in the bottle, as well as the manufacturer's warranty. Over time, the bottles with port wine may form a precipitate which professionals call "crust." Category "Vintage" is intended to be stored in cool cellars. Aged in bottles of this wine can last for up to five decades.

A popular variety of "Vintage Port" called «Late Bottle Vintage», which literally means 'late bottled'. Unlike conventional "vintage" two-year aging the wine is aged in barrels for six years. Such wine can be consumed immediately after it is bottled.

Port «Tawny» in the process of aging in oak barrels acquires a unique flavor with notes of ripe fruit, hazelnut and licorice. Bouquet port category "Tony" for his wealth not inferior to cognac. This drink is made to use cold, as an appetizer fit for him nuts, dried fruit and chocolate.

Young port wines have an intense flavor with fruity notes. Typically, these drinks are prepared by mixing crops from different years. The quality of these drinks can be very different - from the elite to the ordinary.

Terms of use

Dear port wines lovers appreciate as much as the real French cognac. To fully enjoy the rich taste and expressive aromas of the drink, it should drink well. For example, it is best to use for drinking rounded tulip-shaped glasses, reminiscent of cognac.

Red port should be at room temperature - plus eighteen degrees. White port wines cooled to ten or twelve degrees. Glasses are filled with half-maximum. An interesting detail: just start tasting it is not recommended, it is necessary to drink "breathe" for fifteen minutes. Then you can savor the delicious drink.

Professionals say that elite drinks «Vintage Port» self-sufficient and perfect themselves; in any snacks Low calorie snacks   they do not need. As for the vintage ports "simpler", their optimal flavor will be revealed if the appropriate snacks to accompany drinks. For a taste of port wine perfectly underlined with blue mold cheeses (Roquefort, Bleu d'Or and others), as well as a variety of desserts with fruits, berries, nuts and chocolate. White port and «Tawny» also served as an aperitif or accompaniment to appetizers, such as foie gras. Port and used in cooking, for example, they are added to the pastes and roast to give meat a rich aroma.

Maria Bykov

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