How to Identify Port Wine

Port wine comes from Northern Portugal, and is a must for every well-stocked wine cellar. Typically served at slightly cooler than room temperature and best paired with fruits, cheeses, crackers or nuts after a meal, port wine is the perfect accent to cap off your evening.

Instructions

1. Look at the ingredients and the country of origin. Port wines are a blend of five types of grape, all of which are generally a deep ruby color. These come from a particular locale in Portugal, known as Douro River Valley. Vintage port must be labeled as such by law, in large letters.

2. Notice the glass. Port wine should not be served from a traditional wine glass, but rather a port glass, which has a wider mid section than the traditional wine glass. This allows the port wine to breathe fully and enhances the flavor.

3. Note what wine is being served with. Port wine is not paired with meals, but served with appetizers or with dessert. It is sweet flavor making it more suited to either before or after dinner consumption.

4. Taste the coolness of the wine. Port wine should be cooled to only thirty minutes prior to uncorking and then served from a carafe or other container. The decanting of the wine in this way separates the wine from the sediments in the bottle.

5. Consider the strength of the wine. Port wines generally have a higher alcohol content than most wines, in the range of 19 to 22 percent in content.