Porto PDO
Vinho do Porto (Port) PDO is a fortified wine that comes from the Douro Valley in Portugal. It was named after the seaport city of Porto where much of the product was brought to market for export to other countries in Europe. There are a number of red Port varieties (including ruby and tawny) as well as white and rose.
Porto PDO is a blended wine. In the past, different varieties of grape were planted in the same vineyard. Once the wines that are combined to make Porto have been collected, they are blended and allowed to ferment. The addition of aguardente (a neutral wine spirit) fortifies the wine and stops fermentation. Maturation can take place either in barrels or in bottles.
Ruby Port is best served with hard cheeses, berry pies, and dark chocolate. Tawny Port is best served with egg pastries, creamy desserts and figs. If you are looking for something very special, Vintage Port served with mature blue cheese is a very worthwhile tasting experience.
