Port wine

Port is a sweet fortified wine of 18-20% alcohol. In Europe, only Port from the area along the Douro River in northern Portugal may use the name. The different Port types can be divided into 2 types: Ruby and Tawny. Ruby Port matures in bottle, is mostly fruit dominated and often dark, deep red in color. Tawny Port matures in the barrel, is wood dominated and therefore has a more brownish color.

Port originated in the 18th century when England was in a trade conflict with France, then already a major wine producing country. The English had to look elsewhere for wine and found it in Portugal, among other places. To keep the Portuguese wines in good condition during the long boat trip, wine alcohol was added to the barrels, resulting in the fortified Port wine. The name comes from the port city of Porto, from where the wine was shipped.