ImPORTant Decisions- Wine Wednesday

Story by Sarah Murphy Robertson

ImPORTant Decisions

You’ve enjoyed a fabulous meal and yet one last glass of vino sure would make the evening complete. A number of wines are considered “dessert wines” and probably the most well-known is Port.

Port wine is a fortified wine made in Portugal. Fortified means the fruit is first fermented in open tanks where the grapes are stomped daily. When the correct level of sugar is achieved, port wine is blended with grape spirits like brandy to stop fermentation and thus creating a fortified wine. Most Port wine producers use a ratio of about 30% brandy.

A Ruby Port is a great beginner’s style of Port wine because it isn’t overly sweet. Our recommendation is Sandeman Fine Ruby Port. It is young, richly red -hued, with a nose of strawberry and plum. Serve it slightly chilled and once the bottle is open, it will stay fresh for about a month. Ruby Ports are wonderful paired with dark chocolate, making it a win-win for your meal’s ending. This wine is also nice with fruit-laden desserts or cheese plates consisting of brie or other creamy cheeses.