For The Love Of Port

One of my missions on our recent tour to Portugal was to bring up this topic. I asked nearly every CEO, MD and winemaker I came across this one question (amongst many) ... Is it possible to lower the alcohol by volume to 17-18% in Port and still have a quality drink that is balanced?

Before sharing their thoughts ... I'd like to hear what is your opinion?

I like the idea of a (slightly) lower alc content to hopefully avoid the high heat wines like the Martinez Quinta do Eira Velhas 1994 and 1995. I do not think the change to 18% from 20% would significantly lower the intoxication effects so it is a matter of taste and balance. I believe some of the ports I have had would have benefited significantly from a lower alc content

I thought that there was a certain recipe by the Port Wine Institute with the mix of fruit and the 77 % brandy, which made port wine to swing within the band from abt 19.5 % to abt 21.5 %. I cannot remember who told me this many, many years ago, but based on Roy's question it seems that such restriction is not existing?

I would hope not to see a general move to lower alcohol by the industry as a whole because I think the traditional alcohol level is part of what sets port apart and makes it so unique (and better than any other type of wine ). However, I've certainly had ports that would have probably been a lot more enjoyable and balanced had they had a few percentage points less of alcohol. If there were to be a change in the regulations, rather than just loosening the overall rules, perhaps there could be a new category created to encompass ports in the 17-18% range that would differentiate them from the traditionally made version.

Lower alcohol Port ... can balance be achieved?

- No.

Tom

Lamont, so re-categorize it into "Port Light" like Coca Cola would do?

Rune, the legalities in terms of the abv % is still in place, regulated by the IVDP. So this is far more a hypothetical question ... for now.

If dry & sec wines can have balance with a lower level of alcohol, why couldn't port?

Roy Hersh wrote:Lamont, so re-categorize it into "Port Light" like Coca Cola would do?

OMG

Andy Velebil wrote:

Roy Hersh wrote:Lamont, so re-categorize it into "Port Light" like Coca Cola would do?

OMG

Hahaha, I had the same reaction Andy. Hopefully if they ever do allow for port with lower alcohol they won't market it in a way that denigrates the port industry! Port Light?! What would be next, Port wine coolers??