Lest you think that all Port drinkers are country club fogies, I'm here to tell you that this classic libation is an elegant match for modern tastes. Full bodied, aromatic, and simply delicious, Port is a great option when you crave the grace of wine but the power of a spirit.
Last week, I dramatically increased my knowledge of Port when I was invited to attend a dinner tasting at Hearth Restaurant of the widely acclaimed Churchill's vintage Ports. Best of all, the tasting was led by the founder of Churchill's, Johnny Graham.
A Little Bit About Churchill's
Established in 1981, Churchill's was the first British Port company to have been established in 50 years. But Mr. Graham is no rookie - his family has been producing port since the 19th century. The man knows what he's doing! During his remarks, Mr. Graham stated that "we need to simplify port." Well, I accept the mission dear readers, so here is a little Port primer.
Churchill's Vineyards in the Douro Valley
So, What Exactly is Port?
Genuine Port comes from Portugal's Douro Valley and is considered a fortified wine. Port starts off like any other wine - grapes are picked, crushed, and fermented. However, before the fermentation is complete it takes a delicious little detour - it is fortified with a neutral grape spirit. The end result is a beverage with a higher alcohol content than wine and more residual sweetness. Ports fall into many categories, from young Tawny to mature Vintage. Most Ports are red but white Port is also available. The Churchill's website has a great description of the Port varieties.
How Does Vintage Port Taste?
Simply sublime! I've long been a fan of Tawny Port but Vintage Ports were brand new to me. Our tasting at Hearth included some of Churchill's finest vintages spanning three decades (1982 - 2011). According to Mr. Graham, "A Port company's reputation is primarily built on the quality of its vintage Port. By classic vintage Ports I mean wines that have the concentration, complexity, quality and finesse, as well as the natural acidity and tannic structure, to age well for at least 50 years."
Like fine wine, each Vintage Port had a different personality but some common flavor traits included notes of dark berries, juicy figs, honey, currants, dark chocolate, green tea and spice.
What Pairs With Vintage Port?
