A quick aside, Colheita Madeira unlike Colheita Port (the latter of which requires 7 years in wood) but with Madeira, Colheita rules have required a minimum of six years in neutral cask, since the category was created in the early-mid-1990s. In the new regulations passed in 2015, that was changed to where Colheita Madeira now [...]
The late ripening Sercial grape is unquestionably the driest (up to 1.5% RS) and often the most crisp style of Madeira, with lemon, grapefruit and nutty nuances along with mineral characteristics. Madeira’s Sercial grape is noted for its rarity, as well as its fresh, razor-sharp -- some would say, “searing” – acidity, hints of VA and delicate mouthfeel as [...]
This was our 4th consecutive year of exploring the various cultivars of Madeira. Having previously surveyed Terrantez, Verdelho and Boal grapes, the natural progression from dry to sweet, led us to the marvelous Malvasia grape. The perfect ambience, spacious banquet room, excellent food and service staff at NYC’s Del Posto restaurant, has continued to deliver [...]
This my twentieth year since first visiting the Douro, has provided me pause for thought. While looking back on two decades of visits to Northern Portugal, I’ve taken time to consider all of the people that I have met in the Port and Douro wine trade. It has also allowed me to sit back and [...]
Fortified wines have faced a roller coaster ride in the U.S. on-premise market in the recent past and wine sales from this segment of dessert wine remains challenging today. The three greatest obstacles for sale of fortified wines are: Possibly the most difficult hurdle of all for fortified wine; it becomes an even tougher sell [...]
Bual or Boal as the Portuguese spell it, is a white grape that immediately appeals to those who enjoy Madeira as it provides ethereal aromatics and perfect balance between medium-sweet torrefacted flavors and crisp acidity that allows it to age well for centuries. Article and photos by Roy Hersh © October 2014 [...]
The dirty dozen, a list of items to enhance the knowledge of those looking for something to read while consuming their Port wine. The "facts" included here are quick quips that may include a few light-hearted points about Port; but are not-to-be-taken-too-seriously. 1. Simply put, Port is fermented then fortified grape juice, which always tastes better when [...]
Roy Hersh outlines three good reasons for enjoying Reserve Ruby Port, regardless of your level of wine knowledge or discretionary income.
FTLOP is proud to introduce to our readers Bento Amaral, who is the Director of Technical Services and Certification for the Instituto dos Vinhos do Douro e do Porto (IVDP).
FTLOP’s award categories for the BEST OF: Ruby Reserve Port Late Bottled Vintage Port New Port Product 10 Year Old Tawny Port 20 Year Old Tawny Port 30 Year Old Tawny Port 40 Year Old Tawny Port White Port Colheita Port Vintage Port – current release Douro White Wine Douro Red Wine Hospitality & Tourism [...]
