What is Port?

Port is a fortified sweet wine, sometimes referred to a dessert wine and made from black grapes.

History and the Name “Port”:

Port’s creation date stems from the 18^th century (region of Douro) and is one of Portugal’s most famous exports and therefore name after Porto in Portugal.

Various names are given to port e.g Ruby, Tawny, Vintage and White depending on the style and age.

Until 2012, South Africa used the naming Port on the fortified Port style wines made locally however the European Union Protected Designation of Origin instilled a rule where only fortified wines from Portugal could use the naming convention Port and for this reason, South Africa changed the labelling convention for “Port” in South Africa.

South Africa uses the descriptions, “Cape Ruby”, “Cape Tawny”, “Cape Vintage”, “Cape Vintage Reserve”, “Cape Late Bottle Vintage”, “Cape White”, “Cape Pink” and “Cape White”.

Where in South Africa is “Port” made?

The Klein Karoo region in South Africa, is called the Port Capital of South Africa. The first “Port” was made by the De Krans winery in 1977 however these port style wines are now made in all wine regions of South Africa now with various grape varieties.

What does it taste like?

These fortified wines range from semi-sweet to sweet wines.

Red:

Black grapes used include Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Cao and Tinta Roriz (also known as Tempranillo).

White:

White Portuguese “Port” is made from white grapes, including Malvasia, Viosinho and Gouveio. Locally in South Africa, Chenin Blanc is used for in South Africa and is called Cape White and is sweet.

Rosé:

The Cape Pink falls in this category.

How to serve, and pair with food?

These fortified wines should be served chilled and sometimes even cold for white or rose ports.

As this wine is sweet, it pairs well with several flavour profiles including salty, sweet, bitter or savoury flavours.

That includes strong and savoury cheeses, dark chocolate, fruit-based desserts, dried fruits, nuts and mushroom based dishes.

Meat and fish also pair well. This includes cured meats (smoked/spicy) or cooked meats that have fruit included e.g turkey with cranberry sauce.

White port pairs well with seafood dishes including sushi and shellfish. The sweeter style pairs well with deserts but white port can also be used in cocktails.

Rosé ports are also often blended to make cocktails but also pair well with seafood dishes.