Portuguese Port

Guide Note

Though many dessert wines may be described as port, true port is made in the Douro Valley of Portugal. Port is named after Oporto, the port city that it was originally shipped from. During a wine's fermentation process, brandy is added. This stops the process, making the wine sweeter. The brandy also makes the beverage higher in alcohol.

Fast Facts

1. Also known as: Oporto, Vinho do Porto, Porto
2. Origin: Douro Valley, Portugal
3. Styles: Tawny, ruby, garrafeira, white, vintage, late bottled vintage, reserve, crusted

When Britain and France went to war in 1678, Britain lost its access to French wine. Seeking an alternative, they turned to their ally Portugal. Portuguese wine, however, was lacking in quality when compared to French wine. Merchants shipping the wine back to Britain added brandy to the wine to keep it from turning. As the wine improved, some producers added brandy during fermentation, which stopped the process and made the wine sweeter, as well as gave it a stronger kick.

1. Capital: Lisbon
2. Government: Parliamentary Republic
3. Population: 10,848,692 est. (July 2007)
4. Currency: Euro (EUR)
5. Official language: Portuguese
6. 1139: Achieved independence
7. 1986: Joined European Union