"Any time not spent drinking Port is a waste of time." Percy Croft.
The Origins
Port wine is a fortified wine rich in heritage and craftsmanship, produced in the Douro valley in Northern Portugal. Wine has been made in the Douro region for almost two millennia, but the origin of Port as a fortified wine takes place during the 17th century when wars between France and England resulting in embargoes on French goods increased the demand for red wines to replace the French claret.
In order to prevent the wine from spoilage during the transit from Portugal to England, winemakers and shippers began adding brandy called Aguardente to the wine. Although there are tales about monks from the Douro already adding brandy during the fermentation process, this is probably the most accurate historic fact about the origin of Vintage Port.
"The first wine which could worthily claim the title of Vintage Port was conceived during the 1775 vintage. One year before the American war of Independence." - Rich, Rare and Red: A guide to Port. Ben Howkins.
In 1756, the first governing body for the Port trade established the Douro demarcated region. A century before Bordeaux, this was the very first time that the quality of any wine anywhere was classified according to its geographic origin.
Today the mission of the IVDP (the Port and Douro wine institute) is to direct and control the quality and quantity of Port wine, regulate the production process, and the defence and protection of the Douro and Port denomination of origin. The Casa do Douro is the association to which all farmers must belong. It authorises the plantation of new vineyards and the fortification of the must. The third body, the AEVP, or the Port Shippers' Association, represents the Port Shippers.
The New Douro
Since the beginning of the 70s, large investments leading to growth in both the Douro and the Port trade were made: From the construction of hydro-electric dams, to road and railway improvements, to the construction of new wineries as well as significant developments in wine making and viticultural techniques.
Portugal's entry to the UE in 1986 also offered the opportunity to new smaller firms to enter the market. Indeed the new regulations overturned the former 1927 law that stipulated that all exports of Port wine had to originate from Vila Nova de Gaia, located opposite to the historic city of Oporto.
More than ever the Douro region is in constant evolution. Designated a world heritage site by UNESCO, and strong of its huge ancestral heritage, unique terroir and beauty, the Douro has seen the emergence of a new type of winemakers with real personalities and respective passion for indigenous grapes. In a more sophisticated market, quality and authenticity in the glass will always prevail.
We want to share the passion for Port and Douro wines with you. Because there is always something happening we will constantly keep you updated and inform. Check our site, blog and Facebook page for updates and news.
Viticulture in the Douro
85,000 vineyards, 28,000 farmers, 13,500 producing wine that is made into Port. 70% produce less than 5,000 liters per annum.
The demarcated wine producing region of Douro covers 250,000 hectares. 45,000 being under vine. Annual production is around 250,000 pipes of 550 liters each. The region is divided into 3 sub-regions: The Baixo Corgo, Cima Corgo and Douro Superior.The latter is the hottest and driest, and although production is much lower it has always been associated with the great quality.
All vineyards are attributed a letter by the IVDP indicative of the potential quality of the fruit, from A to F with A being assigned to the finest vineyards. It takes into account a vast number of parameters grouped under the 3 main headings of soil, climate and cultural practices.
The Douro Valley is one of the most inaccessible regions in the world. The climate is extremely hard, from freezing winters to very hot summers. Temperatures can rise above 40 C.
" ...a glass of Port before lunch and another before dinner..." - Jeanne Calment, oldest human ever lived (122 years, 164 days)