There are 3 basic port styles:
Ruby port wine
Ruby Port. a Classic PortWine Style
Ruby Port is one of the classic styles of Port wine, originating from the terraced vineyards of Portugal's Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site. While Port wine's history dates back to the 17th century when English merchants began fortifying wines to withstand the journey to England, the style of Ruby Port, as we know it today, developed in the 18th and 19th centuries as winemakers improved their fortification and maturation techniques.
Characteristics
Named after its vibrant ruby color, Ruby Port is a youthful and fruit-forward style of Port wine. It's made from a blend of indigenous Portuguese grape varieties, typically including Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinto Cão, and Tinta Barroca, among others.
Ruby Ports are known for their bold, rich fruit flavors. They showcase the natural characteristics of the grapes and the terroir of the Douro Valley, displaying notes of ripe red and black berries, plums, and cherries, often with a hint of chocolate or spice. The sweetness of Ruby Port, derived from the residual sugar left after fermentation, is well balanced by its robust structure and tannins, resulting in a wine that is sweet but not cloying.
Ruby Port is made by halting the fermentation process with the addition of a neutral grape spirit, typically when about half the grape sugar has been converted into alcohol. This results in a wine with high sugar content and elevated alcohol level. The typical alcohol content of Ruby Port ranges from 19 to 21 percent ABV, and the residual sugar content can vary from 80 to 125 grams per liter, depending on the house style.
After fortification, Ruby Port is aged in large oak vats or stainless steel tanks for two to three years before bottling. This short aging period allows the wine to retain its bright fruit flavors and rich ruby color.
Pruning Methods and Viticulture
In the Douro Valley, the vineyards are planted on terraces carved into the steep hillsides. The vines are often trained on low trellises or grown as bush vines, depending on the terrain and the vineyard's microclimate. Pruning methods are traditionally spur or cane pruning, depending on the vine age, vineyard layout, and grower's preference.
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Ruby. As the name is already telling us, it’s a ruby colored wine, with hints of purple and red. The color is super intens and can be changing in a vintage port, when matured in the bottle (and only vintage)
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Ruby port wines give high concentrations of fruits, like raspberry, cherry, blackcurrant and plum with subtle cinnamon, clove, and dark chocolate tasting notes, depending on the producer of course.
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Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinto Cão, and Tinta Barroca
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With its bright fruit flavors and moderate sweetness, Ruby Port is a versatile pairing option. It goes well with a variety of cheeses, especially blue cheeses like Roquefort or Stilton. Ruby Port also pairs beautifully with dark chocolate desserts and berry-based dishes. Moreover, it can be served as a standalone after-dinner drink or used as a base for cocktails.
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19-21%
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When we talk about standard ruby port wines we can say that they should be kept in a dark place. Luckily the bottle of ruby port wine is alvast dark so it keeps the most light out.
The ideal storage temperature for Ruby Port is between 55°F and 68°F (13°C - 20°C). It's essential to avoid drastic temperature fluctuations, which could spoil the wine.
After Opening: Once opened, a ruby port will last for several weeks, even up to a couple of months, due to its aging process. It should be stored in the fridge after opening to maintain its quality. Be sure to reseal the bottle tightly after each use.
