Background:
Port Wine is a beautiful fortified libation originating from
Portugal. With one sip you taste dark berries, caramel and chocolate and it is a
welcome pairing to a cheese plate or a chocolate infused dessert. Port is unique because it is a blend of grapes
indigenous to Portugal. Grapes include the Tinta Roriz, Tina Barroca among many
other varietals. Port comes in all colors: red, white, tawny (aged) and rose
and lasts up to a month upon opening.
But why is it that when I drink a Portuguese fortified wine,
I think of England? This question came up in our regions class. For me, Port is
to England as Guinness is to Ireland. The wine/country association is a point of
interest to me because England falls in third place for Port Exports. There
must be something else going on..
History:
English soil is not the most fertile for growing grapes. For
centuries, the British have imported wine from France but while at war with
France in 17th and 18th centuries, England boycotted
their beloved Bordeaux and looked elsewhere. Portugal was considered but it was
common knowledge that wine had difficulty surviving the journey from Portugal
to England. It is speculated that the port-making process was an accidental
invention when Portuguese wine was fortified with brandy so that it would last the
journey at sea. The English grew to like the fortified taste and this started the
county’s interest in Port. And once the English signed the Methuen Treaty with
Portugal, which lessened taxes on Portuguese wine, Port became even more popular
in England.
Port wine is similar to Champagne, in that it is a
designated region with specific regulations around its production and naming. Farmers
were Portuguese producing port locally and the Brits handled the exportation. Through this trade
relationship, it is no surprise that this relationship has lasted into a
cultural taste and phenomena.
Additional Sources:
http://www.winesofportugal.com/us/press-room/statistics/export/
http://winefolly.com/review/what-is-port-wine/
http://vinepair.com/wine-blog/british-paradox-invention-modern-wine/
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