Port, a Portuguese strengthened wine made solely in the Douro Valley in the northern provinces of Portugal.
The Douro Valley, Portugal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Considered one the most spectacular wine regions of the world with its terraced vineyards on sloping hills that meet the meandering River Douro.
Over a hundred varieties of grapes sanctioned for port production, although only five Tinta Barroca , Tinta Cão, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Francesa, Touriga Nacional are extensively cultured and used. Touriga Nacional is commonly considered the most popular port grape but the toil in growing it and its small yields cause Touriga Francesa to be the most widely planted grape. Port wine is typically richer, sweeter, heavier, and possesses a higher alcohol content than unfortified wines. This is caused by the addition of distilled grape spirits to fortify the wine and halt fermentation before all the sugar is converted to alcohol and results in a wine that is usually 19 to 23% alcohol. Port is commonly served after meals as a dessert wine and often with cheese; white and tawny ports are often served as an aperitif. In Europe all types of port are frequently drunk as aperitifs.
Port Vintage Collections At The Oaks Cellars