There are many different types of wines produced around the world. Many people are familiar with the classic red and white types of wine that give a sense of elegance to any meal. There are also wines that are designed to be more of an after dinner drink and these are known as port wine.
The History Of Port Wine
Making beverages is an age old tradition, be it beer, wine or any other beverage. As with other wines, port wine is made from grapes and the original port wine was first made in Portugal, in a region in the north called Douro Valley. There is evidence in this region of wine making clear back to the third and fourth centuries. The modern method of making port wine was really established in the 15th century.
Douro Valley became known as the port wine capital and the name port wine comes from the seaport city of Porto which is at the mouth of the Douro Valley and where this special wine was shipped from. In fact, the region where this wine is produced is considered “protected” because of its intricate part in the production of port wine, and the importance of this export to the region.
This type of wine is produced by combining the grapes and then adding additional distilled grapes to help amplify the alcohol flavor in the wine. This combination of ingredients produces a sweet wine that is often referred to as a dessert wine because of the sweet flavor that it contains. The port wine is then stored in barrels and the traditional method was to take the barrels to caves where it would be aged in a cool setting.
True port wine only comes from Portugal, but there are other wineries around the world that also make a similar wine. These wines are as sweet as the traditional wine made in Portugal, but because of the tradition and history that is associated with this wine and Portugal, only wines produced in Portugal are allocated the exclusive title of port wine.
There are also traditions that involve the serving of this wine. The host is expected to offer it to the person seated on their right and then they pass the bottle to the guest seated on their left. This will occur all the way around the table. This type of tradition adds to the uniqueness of the wine.
Port wine is a wonderful addition to a meal where the guests are still enjoying each others company.
