Are you a fan of Ports? If so, which variety is your favorite- Tawny vs Ruby port? Both are made from red wines that are blended with distilled grape spirits, but the two types of Port have different flavor profiles. Let’s take a closer look at each one.
Definition of Port
Port is a fortified wine produced in the Douro Valley of Portugal. It is made by adding brandy to partially fermented grape juice, stopping fermentation and preserving it as a sweet wine. Port comes in different styles, with Tawny Port Vs Ruby Port being the two most popular varieties.
Types of Port
1. Ruby port: This type of port is made from black grapes picked from the Douro Valley in Portugal. It has a deep ruby-red color and sweet, fruity flavors of cherries, plums, and raspberries.
2. Tawny port: This type of port is aged in barrels, giving it a tawny brown color and complex flavors of caramel, nuts, dried fruits, and spices. It has less residual sugar than other types of port but can still be quite sweet.
3. White port: Made with white grapes rather than dark ones, this style of port is actually straw-colored or pale yellow in hue. It has a light body and is usually drunk as an aperitif or with fruit juice.
4. Vintage port: This type of port is made from a single year’s harvest and aged for two years in oak barrels. It has a deep, complex flavor and can be kept for decades if stored properly.
5. Crusted port: This type of port is made from blending several vintages together and it does not need to be decanted before drinking. It has full body with intense flavors of dried fruits, licorice, and spices.
6. Late Bottle Vintage (LBV): LBV is produced by blending wines from a single vintage that have been aged in the barrel for four to six years before bottling. It is sweeter than vintage port but still has a lot of complexity and depth.
7. Colheita: This type of port is made from a single-harvest vintage and aged in barrels for at least seven years before bottling. It has intense flavors of dried fruits, figs, nuts, and spices with a smooth finish.
Tawny Port
Origin and History
Tawny Port is a fortified Portuguese wine that has been produced for centuries. Its origins date back to the 16th century, when it was created by British merchants who set up shop in Portugal’s Douro Valley.
The original Tawny Ports were made from red grapes and aged in wooden barrels, giving them a characteristic tawny color and a nutty flavor. Today, modern production techniques have allowed producers to make Tawny Port using white grapes as well, though most of the world’s supply still comes from the traditional red-grape variety.
Characteristics and Flavor Profile
Tawny Port has a deep tawny-brown color, with orange and copper highlights. It typically has an intense bouquet of dried fruits, raisins and nuts, along with notes of caramel and spices such as cinnamon and clove. The flavor is rich, sweet and smooth, with lingering notes of honey and toasted almonds.
Food Pairings
Tawny Port pairs well with a variety of dishes, from cheese platters to fruit desserts. It also makes an excellent accompaniment to chocolate desserts or baked goods like pies and cakes. Additionally, it can be enjoyed on its own as an after-dinner digestif.
Serving Tawny Port
Tawny Port should be served at room temperature. To open a bottle, use a corkscrew and gently twist the cork out of the bottle; do not force it or you may damage the cork. Serve Tawny Port in small glasses to appreciate its full flavor. Enjoy it alongside nuts, dried fruits, or cheese for a delightful after-dinner treat.
Ruby Port
Origin and History
Ruby Port is a type of Fortified Portuguese wine that has been produced for centuries. It was first created in the 1700s by British merchants who set up shop in Portugal’s Douro Valley. Ruby Ports are made from red grapes, which give them their characteristic deep ruby-red color. They are aged in large wooden barrels, resulting in a rich and complex flavor profile.
Characteristics and Flavor Profile
Ruby Port has a vibrant ruby-red hue with garnet highlights. Its aroma is intense and fruity, with notes of dark berries, raisins, tobacco and leather. The taste is sweet but not cloying, with flavors of ripe cherries, prunes, figs and plum. The finish is long and smooth.
Food Pairings
Ruby Port pairs well with a variety of dishes, from cheese platters to dark chocolates and fruit desserts. It also makes an excellent accompaniment to savory dishes such as steak or game meats. Additionally, it can be enjoyed on its own as an after-dinner digestif.
Serving Ruby Port
Ruby Port should be served at room temperature. To open a bottle, use a corkscrew and gently twist the cork out of the bottle; do not force it or you may damage the cork. Serve Ruby Port in small glasses to appreciate its full flavor. Enjoy it alongside nuts, dried fruits, or cheese for a delightful after-dinner treat.
Overall, Tawny Port Vs Ruby Port are both excellent fortified wines that offer a unique flavor experience. Whether you enjoy them on their own or with food, these Ports are sure to please the palate. Enjoy!
What are The Differences between Tawny Port and Ruby Port?
The key differences between Tawny vs Ruby Port are in their flavor, color, origin and production methods. Tawny Port is made from red grapes and has a tawny-brown color with orange and copper hues. It has intense flavors of dried fruits, figs, nuts and spices with a smooth finish.
In contrast, Ruby Port is made from red grapes that give it its vibrant ruby-red hue. Its aroma is intense and fruity, with notes of dark berries and raisins. The taste is sweet but not cloying, with flavors of ripe cherries, prunes, figs and plum.
Both types of Ports can be enjoyed on their own as an after-dinner digestif or with a variety of dishes, from cheese platters to fruit desserts. When it comes to choosing between the two Ports, it really depends on your personal taste and preferences. Tawny Port offers a rich and intense flavor while Ruby Port has a more subtle and fruity flavor.
Either way, they both make excellent accompaniments to after-dinner drinks or meals. So why not try them both? You might just find that you enjoy one more than the other!
Frequently Asked Questions | Tawny Vs Ruby Port
Q1. How long do these wines last after they’ve been opened?
A1. Both types of Ports can last up to three weeks if the bottle has been properly sealed after opening and stored in a cool environment away from direct sunlight.
Q2. What type of food is best paired with Tawny Ports?
A2. Tawny Ports are most commonly enjoyed after dinner as a dessert wine, and they pair well with nutty desserts, such as pecan pie or almond tart. They also work nicely with blue cheeses and dried fruits.
Q3. Are there any health benefits to drinking Port?
A3. Numerous studies have shown that moderate consumption of Port can help reduce the risk of heart disease due to its high levels of antioxidants which fight against free radicals in the body. Additionally, evidence suggests that wines like Ruby Port may even aid digestion by helping to break down proteins in the stomach more quickly than other alcoholic beverages.
Q4. How strong is a Port?
A4. Generally, Ports are a bit stronger than other wines and have an ABV (alcohol by volume) of 20-22%.
Conclusion
When it comes to Port, many people don’t know the difference between Tawny and Ruby. With this guide, you now know that Tawny is aged in barrels and has a brown color with flavors of nuts and caramel, while Ruby is red and fruity. When choosing between the two, it all comes down to personal preference. Do you want a port that is sweet and easy to drink or one with complex flavors? If you can’t decide, why not try both?
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