Port wine

Category

Port wine

Port wine is a fortified wine from the Douro Valley in northern Portugal, where production is based on a method that stops fermentation by adding grape spirit (aguardente). This preserves residual sweetness and gives an alcohol level around 20%, creating a wine with both body and balance.
The two main types – Tawny and Ruby – differ primarily in ageing and flavour profile:

Tawny port is aged for a longer time in cask
Develops nutty, oxidative notes and a brownish colour
Available as blends with an age indication (10, 20, 30, 40 years)
Colheita is vintage-based Tawny with a minimum of 7 years of cask ageing
Increased ageing gives greater complexity and depth
Ruby port is aged for a short time in cask to preserve fruit
Has an intense red colour and a more primary, fruity profile
Includes Vintage and Late Bottled Vintage (LBV)
Vintage has great ageing potential and requires decanting
LBV is typically ready to drink upon release

The difference between the two styles makes port wine a flexible category both in serving and in the kitchen. Tawny is particularly suited to nut-based desserts and cheeses, while Ruby works well with chocolate and berry-based dishes.

Suitable for dessert, cheese and the end of the menu
Can be used in sauces and reductions
Supports sweetness, body and complexity
Applicable in both classic and modern servings

The range is selected with a focus on quality and a clear style, where both cask-aged complexity and fruity intensity are represented.