Port
Port is a sweet fortified
wine from the grapes growing on the deep walls of the Douro River Valley
in Portugal. Port is made from up to about 40 grape varieties, most
of which are red. After fermenting briefly, the grape must is poured
into larger containers holding spirit, which kills the yeast and stops
fermentation. The wine is then sent to the Port houses in Oporto, where
it stays in barrel for a year or two. At that time a "vintage"
can be declared, and the Port bottled with a vintage designation. This
Port virtually demands another 15 or 20 years aging in the bottle. In
order to have Port that is enjoyable at purchase or shortly after purchase,
there are other "wood-aged" Ports, which have been aged up
to 40 years in the cask. Port wine traditionally accompanies walnuts
and stilton cheese.
