There are two styles of port: Wood Aged and Bottle Aged.

 

Wood aged ports may spend a considerable amount of time in barrel.  These wines are bottled when they are ready to drink.  They will remain fresher once opened for a longer period of time than a bottle aged port, and do not need to be decanted.  Wood aged ports include Ruby and Reserve Ports, Tawny Ports, Late Bottled Vintage Ports, Colheita Ports - which are Tawny Ports from a specific vintage, and White Ports.

 

Bottle aged ports spend a short period in barrel, then they are bottled.  These ports require decanting because they will throw a sediment while they age.  Once they are opened they are best enjoyed that night or within 3 - 5 days.  Bottle aged ports include Bottle Matured Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) Port, Single Quinta Vintage Port, and all Vintage Ports.  Single Quinta Vintage and Vintage Ports have the ability to age for decades!

 

We have a wonderful selection of Ports that you should try!  They make fantastic gifts for the holidays!!    Also available are other delicious fortified wines, including Madeira, Sherry, Banyuls, and a few fortified temptations from Australia!  Now on to the tasting for Friday!