Porto Wine is one of the most famous drinks in the world and one of the main symbols of Portugal. Although the exact date of its origin is unknown, the first official reference to Porto Wine dates back to 1675. It was found a document that registers the first exportation of a wine with that name, at a time when it already had an international status.
A factor that defined the identity of this wine: during the long expeditions that Porto Wine merchants used to make to export the wine, they came up with the idea of fortifying it with brandy in order to preserve it during the long sea travels. This is how Porto Wine as we know it today was born!
Porto Wine Cellars
The famous Porto Wine Cellars are a must for anyone visiting Porto. These cellars offer visitors the opportunity to learn about the history and the storage methods of this very special wine.
Would you like to take a cruise of the Bridges, visit the Port Wine Cellars and then enjoy a dinner accompanied by Fado? We have the perfect programme for that!
The Douro Demarcated Region
Porto Wine is produced exclusively from the grapes of the Douro Demarcated Region, an area known for its natural beauty. This region (the oldest demarcated wine region in the world) is a unique place thanks to its steep slopes and schistose soils, which provide a one of a kind environment for growing the main ingredient of this wine: grapes.
In addition to its geographical features, the Douro region also benefits from a particular climate, with hot, dry summers and harsh winters. These climatic conditions, along with the expertise of the producers, contribute to the production of high quality grapes.
Production Process
The production process of Porto Wine involves several steps:
1. The selection of the grapes, which are hand-picked. These grapes are then crushed and fermented;
2. The wine is fortified with brandy, interrupting fermentation and preserving the natural sugars of the grapes. This process increases the alcohol content of the wine;
3. Aging process in oak barrels, where it acquires its unique features;
4. The Porto Wine is then bottled and is ready to be tasted.
Curiosities about Porto Wine
- Archeological discoveries have pointed out that the Douro region has been used to grow grapes for more than 2000 years;
- Porto Wine is one of the oldest wines in the world, with a history dating back more than 300 years;
- The wine is called "Porto" because it was traditionally shipped from Porto to other parts of the world.
- Besides being usually enjoyed as a dessert wine, Porto Wine can also be used in cocktails and as an ingredient in culinary dishes.
Both the Porto Wine Cellars and the Douro Demarcated Region are Portuguese treasures, offering us a journey into Portugal’s history. Whether you are a wine lover or just curious to know more about different cultures, visiting these places is a must. Fortunately, unforgettable experiences in Douro are our specialty. We hope to see you soon!
