Celebrate Mother’s Day with 12 Exceptional Port Wines
Port wines are a true delight for wine enthusiasts. Originating from the Douro Valley in Portugal, they offer a broad spectrum of flavors and styles – from sweet and fruity Ruby Ports to complex and nutty Tawny Ports.
The Rich History of Port Wines
The tradition of Port winemaking dates back to the 17th century, giving it a rich and fascinating history. This wine is classified as a fortified wine, as it contains a higher alcohol content compared to other wines. This is achieved by adding a neutral grape spirit during the fermentation process.
Varieties of Port Wines
There are several styles of Port wine, including Ruby, Tawny, Vintage, and Late Bottled Vintage (LBV). Each style has its unique characteristics, offering a world of exploration for the discerning wine lover.
The Perfect Mother’s Day Gift
Port wine is a gift that exudes sophistication and warmth. It’s a wonderful after-dinner treat, perfect for savoring slowly while enjoying a meaningful conversation. Gifting a bottle of Port shows thoughtfulness and a keen appreciation for fine wines.
Making Mother’s Day Special with Port
A carefully selected bottle of Port can make Mother’s Day extra special. It’s a chance to toast to the wonderful women in our lives, acknowledging their love, strength, and influence.
1. Taylor’s Vintage Port 2018 – $120
Taylor’s Vintage Port is one of the most highly regarded Ports in the world. It’s made only in the best years and offers a stunning array of complex flavors – from ripe black fruit to sweet spices and dark chocolate. It’s a wine that promises to evolve and improve for many decades. Super floral finish of great intensity.
2. Warre’s Vintage Port – $80
Warre’s Vintage Port is a fine example of a top-quality Vintage Port. Produced only in exceptional years, this wine is rich and full-bodied, with intense flavors of black cherry, plum, and cocoa. It’s a wine that’s perfect for long-term aging, making it a wonderful investment for the future.
3. Fonseca Guimaraens Vintage Port – $45
Fonseca Guimaraens is known for their expressive and powerful Vintage Ports. This Port is luscious and rich, with flavors of blackberries, cassis, and dark chocolate. It’s a wine that can age gracefully for decades, becoming more complex over time.
4. Dow’s Late Bottled Vintage Port – $25
Dow’s LBV is a more affordable way to experience the pleasure of a Vintage Port. It’s full-bodied and robust, with a beautiful balance of dark fruit, spice, and sweet notes. It’s ready to drink now but can also be aged for a few more years.
5. Graham’s 20 Year Old Tawny Port – $60
Graham’s Tawny Ports are renowned for their incredible complexity and elegance. The 20 Year Old Tawny is a sublime example, with flavors of dried fruits, nuts, and caramel. It’s a wonderful sipping wine, perfect for enjoying after a meal.
6. Quinta do Noval Black – $20
Quinta do Noval Black is a fresh and youthful Ruby Port, intended to be enjoyed soon after release. It’s packed with flavors of ripe berries, chocolate, and spice. It’s a fantastic entry-level Port, offering excellent value for money.
7. Niepoort Colheita Port – $50
Colheita is a Tawny Port from a single vintage, aged in barrels for at least seven years. Niepoort’s Colheita is a delight, with a beautiful balance of fruit, nutty, and caramel flavors. It’s a sophisticated and versatile wine that’s ready to drink now.
8. Quinta de la Rosa Late Bottled Vintage Port 2017 – $30
Quinta de la Rosa’s LBV is a fine example of this style, offering the complexity of a Vintage Port at a more accessible price point. It’s rich and full-bodied, with a wonderful depth of flavor. It’s a wine that can be enjoyed now or aged for a few more years.
9. Taylor’s 10 Year Old Tawny Port – $35
Taylor’s 10 Year Old Tawny is a wonderfully mellow and complex wine, with flavors of dried fruit, nuts, and honey. It’s a fantastic introduction to aged Tawny Ports, offering superb quality for its price.
10. Sandeman Ruby Port – $15
Sandeman’s Ruby Port is a bright and fruity wine, with flavors of red berries and a touch of sweetness. It’s a great entry-level Port, perfect for those new to this style of wine.
11. Quinta do Noval Nacional Vintage Port – $800
The Nacional is one of the most sought-after and expensive Ports in the world. It’s an incredibly concentrated and powerful wine, with immense aging potential. It’s a truly special wine, perfect for a truly special occasion.
12. Warre’s Otima 10 Year Old Tawny Port – $25
Warre’s Otima is a modern-style Tawny Port, lighter and more approachable than traditional Tawnies. It’s a versatile and charming wine, with flavors of dried fruit, honey, and spice. It’s a wine that’s ready to drink now and perfect for sharing.