A glass of port after a meal was once the norm in many households, but for many of us, it’s more of a seasonal Christmas treat. Here are a few that might hit the spot as the perfect port to sip alongside your favourite decadent dessert or choicest cheeses.
Fonseca Porto Organic Port
£18
Fonseca has been producing this organic port, certified by Ecocert, Portugal, since 2006. It has been created under the close watch of winemaker David Guimaraens, and the organic method allows the traditional port grapes to display their natural aromas and flavours fully.
The result is a rich, full-bodied port with plenty of flavour and texture. The dark fruits sing out, with ripe plums and cherries on the nose, with a touch of spice. Once it hits the palate, the intense fruits continue, with berries, plums and even more cherries coming together, making it a little too easy to drink.
This smooth and velvety glassful makes a fabulous accompaniment to flavourful soft cheese and decadent chocolate desserts or as a succulent nightcap to round off a festive evening.
Portafortuna XO
£39
Portafortuna — meaning lucky charm in Italian — is a blend of 2016 vintage port and 12-year-old brandy, which is augmented with Cognac to create something a little different for your Christmas table.
The result of this union is a unique flavour profile with a heady mix of flavours, which is the best of both spirits. Once the spirits are blended, fermented, rested, filtered, and enhanced with Cognac, they are bottled and ready to taste.
On the nose, you’ll find dark fruits and more than a hint of chocolate, as well as heady vanilla and a touch of citrus. On the palate, those aromas blend with plums and raspberries, a little apricot, and a woody hint of oak. The finish is long and full, with lingering plum and dark chocolate notes.
Portafortuna is an interesting glassful, which works well with festive favourites like fruity Christmas cake or Christmas pudding, but it might be a step too far for port purists or brandy buffs. But open your mind, and you might be surprised. A word to the wise, though, unlike a port or brandy that can keep for a good length of time, this is recommended to be consumed within three months of opening.
Taylor’s Quinta de Vargellas Vintage Port 2013
£34
Located in the hilly eastern reaches of the Douro valley, Quinta de Vargellas wine estate has been producing quality port since the 1820s, renowned for their complex flavours and distinctive aromas.
This 2013 offering is no different. On the nose, you’ll discover cherries and berries, with a sweetness to them akin to a fine jam. There are plums, too, and a touch of spice in the mix. Underneath all that are notes of wild herbs edged with a little floral violet hint. Once on the palate, the dark, delicious fruits just keep on coming, and the finish is long and rich.
A great example of a fine port full of intense flavours, which is good to drink young, or if you can wait, can be laid down for years to come.
Henriques & Henriques 15-Year-Old Verdelho
£27
This fortified Madeira wine, made with 100% Verdelho grapes, was produced under the careful watch of winemaker Luis Pereira. It has been aged for 15 years using the traditional Canteiro method of making Madeira wine, where the liquid is placed in wooden barrels which are stored in a warehouse where they are warmed to extract flavours from the wood, which become the warm caramel flavours associated with Madeira wines.
The glistening gold wine has a stunning aroma on opening. You’ll find dried fruits and nuts on the nose, with a tinge of sweet honey. On the palate, the dried fruit remains and is joined by notes of caramel and a hint of chocolate, which leads to a long, slightly acidic finish. The Verdelho grapes mean the wine is medium dry, making it an excellent aperitif, or pleasant partner to something a little spicy.
Taylor’s ‘Golden Age’ 50YO Tawny
£180
If you’re looking for something special to give as a gift or to share with loved ones this Christmas, this could be the one for you. This port from Taylor’s, aptly named ‘Golden Age’, is a collector’s edition that is being released in limited quantities.
Before blending, the individual wines were aged in specially selected seasoned oak casks and stored in Taylor’s cellars for five decades. The result was this deep copper-coloured port with golden highlights. The aromas on the nose are delicate yet rich, with raisins, dried fruits, and warm spices. On the palate, prunes and apricots add sweetness and richness, balanced beautifully with the acidity of lemon and orange zest. Tropical notes creep in, too, with passion fruit and pineapple nestled alongside nuts and buttery caramel. The finish is fresh and long, keeping you coming back for another sip.
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