1. Explain why Port wine is sweet.
Alcohol fermentation is stopped when the alcohol level reaches 5–9% by fortification.
The wine is fortified during fermentation by adding grape spirit (aguardente, 77% abv).
The grape spirit kills the yeast and creates a stable sweet wine with 19–22% abv.
Therefore, there is residual sugar in the wine.
2. Describe the maturation process of Tawny Port with an indication of age.
This wine undergoes an average of 20 years of aging in small oak barrels.
The barrels are called pipes.
This process oxidizes the wine.
3. How does the maturation process impact Tawny Port with an indication of age?
The wine develops a tawny color due to oxidation.
Primary fruit character fades and becomes raisiny.
The wine develops complex tertiary characters such as walnut, coffee, chocolate, and caramel.
4. What is Single Quinta Vintage Port?
Single Quinta Port is the product of a single estate.
The name of the quinta appears on the label.
In years that are not considered good enough for a vintage declaration, producers release their best wines as Single Quinta Vintage Port.
It is less prestigious than Vintage Port, but still high quality.
It is released when ready to drink.
5. Name two towns involved in Port production.
- Porto
- Vila Nova de Gaia
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