portviinit

Portviini is a fortified wine produced in the Douro Valley of northern Portugal. It is a popular dessert wine, typically sweet and often served after a meal. The fortification process involves adding a neutral grape spirit, known as aguardente, during fermentation. This stops the fermentation, leaving residual sugar and increasing the alcohol content, usually to around 19-20%.

There are several main styles of portviini. Ruby port is the most common, aged for a shorter period in large vats, resulting in a youthful, fruity character. Tawny port, on the other hand, is aged for longer periods in smaller oak barrels, leading to a more complex, nutty flavor with notes of caramel and dried fruit. Vintage port is made from the grapes of a single, exceptional year and is aged for many years before release, developing significant complexity and aging potential. Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) port is also from a single year but is aged for a longer period in wood before bottling than traditional vintage port, offering a more approachable option.

Portviini is traditionally made from a blend of indigenous Portuguese grape varieties, with Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, and Tinto Cão being among the most important. The unique terroir of the Douro Valley, with its steep slopes and schistous soil, contributes significantly to the character of the wine.