NOT YOUR GRANDADDY'S PORT

A few weeks ago I attended a seminar and tasting sponspored by Wines of Portugal. Their tag line, "Discover the Diversity" and that was exactly my goal; to discover new wines from this
old-new world wine region. Luckly for me I had four hours on a Thursday afternoon to go on a Iberian Wine tour of over 29 diffent regions. Portugal is home to over 200 indigenous grape varieties not including the other traditional varietals brought over from France. The diversity of the terrian allows for all of them to grow successfully. As I moved from table to table (21 in all) I was really drawn to the Ports. Ports are "old school". A drink you expect a few distinguished gentelmen sippin after a good steak dinner smokin a very expensive cigar. I always found Ports to be too sweet, but it seemed that all the tables that were doing pourings had a small gathering.

To be called a Port (also called Porto, Oporto or Vinho do Porto), wines must be from the Duoro Valley. The process of making this fortified wine and mixing it Brandy. Trading Port began in the mid-17th century from the Duoro Region to the Netherlands and Britian. Ports come in four varietals White, Ruby, Tawny, and Vintage Ports. The most popular are probably Tawny and Vintage Ports.

Up first, was the Porto Pocas 20 year old. This Tawny was very elegant, delicate and smooth. The aromas of driend fruits would be a perfect pair with a hard cheese, chocolate, and toasted almond platter for an after dinner snack. I was really surprised that I really like this Port and it made me curious of what was at the next table. Next to try, Adriano Ramos Pinto 10 Year Old Tawny NV. The vineyards of Adriano Ramos Pinto are the "jewel of Duoro". This single vineyard Port tasted like carmel velvet. I did not want to put the glass down until my guide suggested I try the older brother, 20 year old. What a great suggestion. I think I known found my new gift to give to friends for dinner parties.

I did not want to spoil my new found likeness of Port so I decided to stop at the three. But I did reach my goal I did find a new wine that I can't wait to share with my friends.

Happy Sippin