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Stradlater · Jun 29, 2006, 01:55 PM

Reminded by the latest favorite-drink-thread, I thought I'd ask the question.

I'm kind of interested in getting better acquainted with fortified wines. Occasionally, while out, I'll order a glass of port for or with dessert. I'd like to start stocking my home, though I don't know where to begin.

Anyone out there with some advice? Is there a marked difference between a $20 (reasonable, the price area I'm looking in) and a $40 bottle?

Nai no Kami · Jun 29, 2006, 02:13 PM

When I traveled to Porto, Portugal, Sandeman had a respectable taste.

Railroader · Jun 29, 2006, 02:30 PM

A friend of mine makes Port wine. Alas, it's the only example of the kind I've had, but it was EXCELLENT. I've offered to pay him to make a batch for just me. He just keeps giving me the odd free bottle every now and then. Kinda like a drug dealer not wanting to give access to his private stash.

sknapp351 · Jun 29, 2006, 03:13 PM

I really love Port, but like you have only just started buying it for my home. In the little I have purchased I found that you get what you pay for. Now that doesn't mean I will always get the $40 bottle, but I do keep my eyes out for sales.
SAm

scottiB · Jun 29, 2006, 04:28 PM

My company blocks booze and smokes sites, but Wikipedia has a good overview.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_Wine

Any ruby port will be in the $20 range (Warrior brand, etc.).

Vintage ports (depending on where made, etc.) will be in the $40++ range.

Tawny port's a different animal--which if aged enough borders on taste to Armagnac--wonderful, wonderful stuff.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armagnac_%28drink%29

If there's a decent wine shop in your area, I'd go in and chat a bit.

Good after dinner drink in the fall or winter: order an espresso in a coffee cup and poor a small glass of ruby port in it.

Stradlater · Jun 29, 2006, 05:06 PM

Originally Posted by scottiB

My company blocks booze and smokes sites, but Wikipedia has a good overview.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_Wine

Any ruby port will be in the $20 range (Warrior brand, etc.).

Vintage ports (depending on where made, etc.) will be in the $40++ range.

Tawny port's a different animal--which if aged enough borders on taste to Armagnac--wonderful, wonderful stuff.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armagnac_%28drink%29

If there's a decent wine shop in your area, I'd go in and chat a bit.

Thanks for your suggestions!

Good after dinner drink in the fall or winter: order an espresso in a coffee cup and poor a small glass of ruby port in it.

And double-thanks for this! I'm an espresso fanatic, so this sounds great!

- - e r i k - - · Jun 29, 2006, 06:14 PM

I'm getting into it myself. Used to hate it. But lately I've been to a few winetastings which have excellent ports.

scottiB · Jun 29, 2006, 07:37 PM

Originally Posted by Stradlater

Thanks for your suggestions!

And double-thanks for this! I'm an espresso fanatic, so this sounds great!

On my way home, I stopped at a liquor store to buy a pint, and I checked out the ports they had. Sandeman Ruby Port for around $18 (I live in Maryland), and the Founder's Reserve for around $25.

They also have a Dow's 10 year-old Tawny for around $45

If/when you ever want to try a Tawny, spend the $$ and get a good one. It's like trying Scotch for the first time: sip a crappy one, and you'll hate it; sample a good single-malt, and you'll really appreciate it (or at least not hate it--or at least hate it, yet understand how someone could develop a taste for the stuff).

Thing about port is don't drink a lot at a time, or you'll palette will really pucker.

Cheers.

Edited to add: make sure you get some good glasses (like the one at Sandeman--or a little rounder, but thin glass). The body warmth when you hold the glass adds a bit to the flavor--and it's fun to swirl lightly. Port is more viscus than a cab or merlot.

ghporter · Jun 29, 2006, 08:34 PM

Port comes in many forms. There's a brand called Fairbanks that you can get for about $5 a bottle, and it's good for a nightcap. But Sandeman is so much better! I've tasted a number of different ports, some from Portugal and Spain, some U.S. domestic. In general the better ones are more expensive and older, but (darn the luck!) you really have to taste 'em to see which ones you really like. My sister-in-law gave us a bottle of 20 year old Ramos Pinto Qinta do Bom Retiro tawny port for our anniversary-Oh. My. God! That's great stuff!

waxcrash · Jun 29, 2006, 08:42 PM

I love Port. My dad introduced me to Port. I'll buy a glass as an after dinner drink when I'm at a nice restaurant for around $10-$15 a glass. I don't stock it at home as my girlfriend hates it and none of my friends like it.

willed · Jun 30, 2006, 04:59 AM

Dow's is usually pretty good. I've got through a lot of port in my time - it always came out at the end of huge Oxford formal dinners. Slips down very nicely with fruit and good cheese. Ah... good times!

scottiB · Jun 30, 2006, 08:27 AM

Originally Posted by waxcrash

I love Port. My dad introduced me to Port. I'll buy a glass as an after dinner drink when I'm at a nice restaurant for around $10-$15 a glass. I don't stock it at home as my girlfriend hates it and none of my friends like it.

Dude, the more for you.

DON'T LET HER TAKE YOUR SOUL!!!

Stradlater · Jun 30, 2006, 09:33 AM

I'm with scottiB; Port has a much longer open shelf life than unfortified wine, so enjoy it through a month or so.

You have to think about it: when you're plunking down $15 for a glass, why not spend less than one-glass-more and get a whole bottle?

Stradlater · Jul 3, 2006, 09:46 AM

After a little research, I decided to spring for Warre's Otima.

Tried it with an English Stilton. Excellent

scottiB · Jul 3, 2006, 10:47 AM

Very nice.

CMYKid · Jul 3, 2006, 10:53 AM

The Sandeman is very good, also make sure to pick up a bottle of Ferreira, which is not only very good but an example of one of the oldest makers in existence. It also happens to come in a nifty packaging.

Stradlater · Jul 3, 2006, 12:21 PM

Originally Posted by scottiB

Very nice.

It was really very affordable ($22 for a 750ml at Cost Plus World Market; saw it for $25 at Whole Foods); let me know if you've tried it and what you think.

I also picked up some "connoisseur" port glasses at World Market. Really nice glasses, actually, despite the stuffy name: some crystal and for a fraction of the standard Riedeculous price.

CMYKid · Jul 5, 2006, 08:46 AM

Originally Posted by Stradlater

Riedeculous

ha. that took me a second.