Port wine, the Portuguese national drink and a part of its cultural heritage, offers a unique treat for the senses. When paired with a premium cigar, it reveals its full aroma, resulting in an unforgettable taste experience. In this blog post, we will explore the origins and production of port wine, the various styles, and why it pairs so well with a cigar.
The origin and production of port wine
Port wine originates from the Alto Douro region in northern Portugal, recognized as one of the world’s oldest wine-growing regions. The unique climatic conditions and traditional cultivation methods contribute to the distinctive taste of port wine. Port wine takes its name from the port city of Porto, which is located directly on the Atlantic Ocean. It has always been the destination for the finished port wines from the Douro Valley, which are then stored and shipped worldwide.
Like any other wine, after the grapes are harvested by hand, they are first pressed, and the must is left to ferment. To make port wine, the wine undergoes a process known as “fortification”, i.e., the fermenting must is sprayed with high-proof ethyl alcohol. The fermentation of the port wine, which can be red or white, is stopped by adding around 77% wine distillate. This means that the residual sugar content in the port wine remains high. The resulting sweetness is the hallmark of a port wine. Coupled with an alcohol content of usually 20%, these two factors also allow port wine to have an extremely long shelf life.
The different styles of port wine
Ruby The individual style always depends on the brand. Usually, but not always, the Ruby is first stored in large stainless steel tanks and then transferred to large wooden barrels before being bottled. Doing so prevents oxidative aging and helps preserve its bright red color. Ruby ports are the classic style – the name comes from the ruby red color. They are very fruity and slightly aromatic with an understated flavor. Nevertheless, their sweet, fruity taste makes them an excellent choice in combination with lighter cigars.
Tawny Suppose you prefer stronger cigars, whether spicier, more peppery, or simply more full-bodied. In that case, you might like to try tawny port wines. After initially being stored in large wooden barrels, they are aged for several years in smaller barrels. The prolonged exposure to air allows the tawny port to oxidize more, giving it a longer shelf life, although it does lose some of its color. Tawny port wine is bottled ready to drink, retaining its body for several weeks even after opening.
The aging in smaller wooden barrels imparts the flavor of the wood to the Tawny, creating aromas of dried fruits and nuts. Tawny has a noticeably longer finish than Ruby without overpowering the cigar. It is this combination of aromas that makes it the perfect pairing for a cigar: The woody notes are often also found in a cigar, which is why the aromas tend to be similar. In addition, the sweetness provides an exciting counterpoint to some of the spicy or peppery aromas of a cigar.
Practical reasons for choosing port wine
Port wine is served slightly chilled, which makes it particularly refreshing on hot days. As the port wine gradually warms up a little in the glass, it continues to develop new aromas.
Last but not least, both the Ruby and the Tawny offer great value for money: A decent bottle of port wine retails for between 10 and 30 Swiss francs (DE: euros).
Our recommendation
Felix Wallenhorst, our Brand Ambassador, has hosted numerous tastings showcasing the pairing of cigars and port wine. He recommends a ten-year-old tawny port wine, which offers excellent value for money. Of course, there are many other styles of port wine. For instance, wines that have been aged longer or special vintages make this drink a truly exceptional experience. We recommend sampling a few.
