Explore the Different Styles of Port Wine

Ask anyone and they’ll tell you that the only way to truly learn wine is to taste it. Even former Wine Spectator senior editor and internationally acclaimed wine critic James Suckling will tell you that:

“The easiest way to get into wine is to invest in a corkscrew.”

And I might also add curiosity.

Port wine is an evolving category. Over the past few decades, new styles like rosé Port have emerged. And with more than 100 different grape varieties that can be used in the production of Port, it can feel like an overwhelming category to get to know.

So let’s break it down.

Port wines can be most easily classified by two distinct aging processes: bottle-aged and wood-aged.

Popular Port wine styles include white, ruby, tawny, and the crown jewel of Port wine: vintage Port, which is bottle-aged. I love this helpful infographic from Wine Folly, which breaks down some of these styles in more detail:

For the purpose of our own Port wine exploration, we’re initially going to be sampling four styles together: white, ruby, tawny, and late bottled vintage (LBV).

Stay tuned for additional information on how to participate in Starboard’s at-home tasting experience. Your feedback will help create a next-generation Port wine that will have a coveted seat at every dinner party table.

Cheers,
Rebecca