Port Wine (known as Porto) is fortified wine, meaning that the alcohol content is raised by the addition of wine brandy. The wine grower must arrest fermentation by adding wine brandy to the must in a proportion of one part brandy to five parts must. This raises the alcohol content to approximately 20%. It is produced exclusively in the Douro region, the first great wine region in the world to be demarcated. Port is aged and shipped from the town of Oporto, from which it took its name. Its unique bouquet, body and taste derive from the high quality of the grapes, and from the complexities of the soils and climate of the region. Great Britain, which was Port's first market dating back to the 17th Century, was also its biggest importer up to 1963 when France became the leading buyer. White: aged in cask, the product of several blends, the dry or extra-dry are stylish as apéritifs. Red and Ruby aged in cask, the product of several blends; usually young and sweet; can be served with desserts or in cocktail mixtures. Tawny aged in cask, but often older and more elegant, usually shows the date of bottling and an indication of age - as in 10 years old. Colheita ports of a single good quality harvest, aged in cask (never less than 7 years). Vintage of a single harvest produced in a year of outstanding quality. Bottled between the second and third year to be aged in bottle. The bottle will show the name of the firm, the designation "Vintage", the year of the vintage, and sometimes the name of the "quinta", where it was produced. Usually shows the date of bottling and an indication of age - as in 10 years Late Bottled Vintage of a single harvest bottled between the fourth and sixth year of age. The label will show the year of the harvest, date of bottling and designation "L.B.V." Port Wine Listing Return to top