The difference between port and other dessert wines
The Difference between Port and Other Dessert Wines
Introduction
Dessert wines have long been a popular choice for those who enjoy a sweet and indulgent tipple after a meal. But if you're new to the wine world, you may be wondering what sets port apart from other types of dessert wine. In this article, we'll explore the differences between port and other dessert wines, how they are made, their flavor profiles, and suggested food pairings.
What is Port Wine?
Port wine is a fortified wine that is produced exclusively in the Douro Valley in Portugal. It is made from a blend of grape varieties, including Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Roriz, and Tinto Cão. The grapes are harvested and then crushed by foot in traditional granite "lagares" to extract the juice.
Once the juice is extracted, brandy is added to the wine to halt the fermentation process, resulting in a sweet wine with a higher alcohol content than most other wines. Port wine is then aged in oak barrels to develop its characteristic flavors and aromas.
Other Types of Dessert Wine
Port is just one type of dessert wine. Others include Sherry, Madeira, Sauternes, and Tokaji, among others.
Sherry
Sherry is a fortified wine that comes from the Jerez region in Spain. It is produced using Palomino grapes and is aged using a unique solera aging system. Sherry ranges from dry and crisp to sweet and nutty, with a distinct saline character.
Madeira
Madeira is a fortified wine produced on the Portuguese island of Madeira. It is aged using a variety of methods, including heat, in order to create its characteristic flavors of caramel, nuts, and dried fruit.
Sauternes
Sauternes is a sweet dessert wine produced in the Sauternes region of France. It is made using Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle grapes that have been affected by noble rot, which concentrates their sugars and flavors. Sauternes has a rich, honeyed flavor with notes of apricot and orange.
Tokaji
Tokaji is a Hungarian dessert wine made using Furmint grapes that have been affected by noble rot, similar to Sauternes. It is aged in oak barrels and has flavors of honey, apricot, and spice.
What Makes Port Wine Unique?
One thing that sets port apart from other dessert wines is its sweetness. Port is typically sweeter than other dessert wines due to its high residual sugar content. It is also known for its tannins, which are the naturally occurring compounds found in the skins, seeds, and stems of the grapes used to make the wine.
The two primary types of port are ruby port and tawny port. Ruby port is aged in bottle and has a rich, fruity flavor with notes of cherry and plum. Tawny port is aged in oak barrels and has a lighter, nuttier flavor with hints of caramel.
Another defining characteristic of port is its alcohol content, which is typically around 20%.
Food Pairings
Port is a perfect wine to pair with dessert. Its sweetness and full-bodied texture make it a great complement to rich chocolate desserts, fruit tarts, and nutty desserts. It also pairs well with blue cheeses such as Stilton or Roquefort.
Other dessert wines such as Sherry and Madeira can also be paired with desserts, but they are also an excellent choice for aperitifs or to accompany savory dishes such as cured meats or olives.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while all dessert wines share common characteristics such as sweetness, it is their unique production methods and grape varieties that set them apart from each other. Port, with its high residual sugar content, tannins, and distinct aging process, is a fantastic choice for those who enjoy a rich and indulgent after-dinner drink. However, be sure to also sample other dessert wines such as Sherry, Madeira, Sauternes, and Tokaji to explore the full range of flavors the world of dessert wine has to offer.