Port Wine Is Making a Sweet Comeback With Millennials
If you thought port wine was reserved for stuffy five-course meals or the IRL Ron Burgundy-esque type, you're not alone! It's true that for years, port has had a bit of a less-than-cool reputation as an inaccessible or antiquated spirit. But ... port wine (and dessert wines in general) are making a comeback and gaining popularity among millennials, especially after some producers recently released their best vintage in years and even a hot pink rosé port.
Here's a quick boozy history lesson: Port is a fortified red wine produced exclusively in Portugal's Douro Valley. The origins of port go way back to the 18th century, when basically a bunch of thirsty English sailors needed to find a way to preserve their table wine during transport by fortifying it with... you guessed it... more alcohol! Since these Englishmen were working with wine producers based in Portugal's Duoro Valley at the time, this fortified red wine became a regionally recognized spirit we now call ... port.
Tasting notes: Most port wine is sweet and red, often served with (or as) dessert, though white and tawny ports also exist. It's true that most Port is rich, syrupy, fruity, and deep-red, though some more nuanced varieties (especially aged tawny port) make for a yummy digestif or palate cleanser. Due to its juicy flavor, port also makes a really nice addition to cocktails (pretty port float anyone?) Plus, did we mention that port usually has about a 20% ABV?
Now that you're basically a port connoisseur, here are six bottles you should keep in your liquor cabinet to warm you up on a chilly night or sip after a big meal. You'll also definitely impress the in-laws if you whip out a bottle of this stuff.
1) Croft Pink Port (1/2 Bottle)
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$10.89
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If you're a rosé wine lover, you'll want to check out this special first-ever rosé port from Croft. Vivid hot pink in color and loaded with fruity, berry flavor, we love topping this juicy port with a few ounces of prosecco for a quick and super pretty DIY cocktail.
2) Sandeman's Ruby Port
astorwines.com
$18.96
Probably the most easily recognizable bottle behind any bar, we love using Sandeman's Ruby Port in whiskey and rum cocktails to add just a burst of fruity flavor. A light and lovely port with a red fruit and berry aroma, Sandeman is a great place to start if you're new to the world of port wine.
3) Quinta do Infantado Tawny Port
astorwines.com
$16.96
Earthy notes of roasted hazelnuts, cloves, and coffee are at the core of this tasty, amber-hued tawny port. It's darker in color than most ports - from being aged in wooden casks before bottling - and there's a delicious figgy sweetness that lingers on the finish. Sip this port neat after a hearty stew or roast - it'll warm you right up.
4) Fonseca Bin No. 27 Finest Reserve Port
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$13.45
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Super fruity, sweet, and light, Fonseca's Bin. No 27 actually makes for a delicious aperitif before a big meal. The sweetness of this port cuts through the richness of grilled meats or charcuterie, while it also works nicely when paired with light cheese or fruity dishes. Cherry, blackberry, and chocolate are on the nose.
5) Taylor's Fine Ruby Port
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$14.55
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Another very recognizable bottle, Taylor's Fine Ruby Port is a smooth, easy-to-drink pick that is another excellent pick for first-time port drinkers. It's both sweet and slightly savory, which also makes this one ideal for use in craft cocktails or party-punch recipes.
6) Graham's 10 Year Old Tawny Port
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$22.96
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This younger tawny port from Graham's strikes a nice balance between sweetness and richness. Barrel-aged for 10 years, this port wine has both deep, woodsy flavors and fresh, fruity, and vibrant notes that make it a versatile crowd-pleaser.
Drink your dessert.