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 [...]
It was a brilliant, sunny day when we arrived at Quinta do Mourão, just down the river and around the bend from Peso da Régua in the heart of the Douro’s Baixo Corgo. The panorama above was taken facing Northwest-ish from the main house with the Aquapura Douro Hotel on the far left and westernmost [...]
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.
Quinta da Boavista does indeed have a spectacular view and now, more than ever, it has fantastic prospects for the future under the ownership of Lima Smith.
The event Cais de Fado celebrated the uniquely Portuguese Fado music with free performances by both established and newer artists, including the legendary Mariza.
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).
Port lover Rune Gustavsen of Norway writes for FTLOP's Guest Corner about the blind tasting of ten bottles of Twenty Year Old Tawny Port his family enjoyed last Christmas.
A visit to Quinta do Mourão in the Baixo Corgo with Miguel Braga, whose family produce the excellent S. Leonardo ports, particularly some outstanding tawnies.
