Port is a sweet fortified wine originating from Portugal’s Douro Valley, known for its rich, complex flavors and versatility. Made by adding brandy during fermentation, port retains natural grape sugars, resulting in a dessert-like sweetness.
Key types of port include:
- Ruby port. Bright and fruit-forward, aged briefly to preserve freshness.
- Tawny Port: Aged in wooden casks, developing nutty, caramelized flavors.
- Vintage Port: Produced from exceptional harvests, aged in bottles for decades.
- White Port: Made with white grapes, offering flavors ranging from dry to sweet.
Port is traditionally enjoyed as a dessert wine but is also used in cooking to add depth to sauces, marinades, and reductions.
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