Port consumption and your health?

[AlexR]

Hi guys,

OK, the header is a little bit of a provocation....

I love Port. Otherwise I wouldn't be here!

I'm just wondering, what is a - more or less - normal consumption of Port at one sitting?

Let's face it, Port has an image problem. Same as Cognac. It is thought to be for old folks. And, horror of horrors, to give you gout. This could very well be an urban myth, and presumably you have to drink huge quantities of the stuff to be afflicted.

A number of studies have showed that the moderate consumption of table wine is good for your health. Where does Port stand?

Do people in the Douro Valley itself drink Port on a regular basis, or do they stick mostly to the dry reds they produce there?

I most often drink pedestrian Port as an aperitif because that's the culture here. But my good Port comes out at the end of a special wine dinner. By that time, my guests and I have had before dinner drinks and a series of table wines...

I'm sure it is possible to enjoy good Port without abusing it. I'm just wondering what your own cut-off point is *by and large*- while aware that this can vary from person to person, what one has eaten, etc.

Best regards,
Alex R.