Posted: 8/17/2015 4:17:47 PM EDT
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So my better half has picked up a new vice: port.
So far, all I know is that port is the post-work drink of choice amongst Danish military officers. I am a beer and scotch guy. I don't even drink wine. So when we're at Triangle Wine Company and she asks me about port, I'm left trying to google up some info on mah phone. To say I felt unprepared would be an understatement. We ended up with some Dow's 10 year Tawny, and she has a bottle of Ferreira Branco from a previous shopping trip. Help me, arfcom. What do I need to know about port? 1. 2. |
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I've consumed a lot of fortified wines.
This may be the best. https://www.vsattui.com/product/130th-Anniversary-Madeira?pageID=037BCFCA-AE56-FE8F-6EDC-33A34EB13939&sortBy=DisplayOrder&maxRows=10& It's tricky because 1) The selection at most stores sucks balls 2) The split between what people expect from an everyday port is completely different from what they expect from an LBV, and most options go one way or another, with other fortified wine types (and Madeira is a perfect example here) goes completely unrepresented. In reality, there's a whole range of flavors to be had, but getting them, and knowing what you're looking for, is a huge pain in the ass. What kind of a port drinker is she? Does she just want a low-bloat, fruity-tasting old lady buzz?  Or is she specifically into the various styles and flavor combinations?
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Quoted:
I've consumed a lot of fortified wines. This may be the best. https://www.vsattui.com/product/130th-Anniversary-Madeira?pageID=037BCFCA-AE56-FE8F-6EDC-33A34EB13939&sortBy=DisplayOrder&maxRows=10& It's tricky because 1) The selection at most stores sucks balls 2) The split between what people expect from an everyday port is completely different from what they expect from an LBV, and most options go one way or another, with other fortified wine types (and Madeira is a perfect example here) goes completely unrepresented. In reality, there's a whole range of flavors to be had, but getting them, and knowing what you're looking for, is a huge pain in the ass. What kind of a port drinker is she? Does she just want a low-bloat, fruity-tasting old lady buzz? Or is she specifically into the various styles and flavor combinations?I know with wine she likes whites, moscato and riesling. I don't think she like the drier varieties. |
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So we're talking "doesn't like to taste her alcohol" type of drinker that's old enough to demand something a little higher end than Captain Morgan and Sprite?
If she's not picky other than that, then just stay above $15/bottle and you'll be fine. Pretend you know what you're talking about. You're not getting anything particularly special from your average liquor store anyhow. If that sounds irreverent, I'm just trying to save you some money. Seriously, if she's looking for an easy buzz on something fruity, then there's no sense sinking $50+ into LBVs and craft wines. Just buy Dow's, Sandeman, Fonseca, Cockburn... in the $15-30 range and call it good. |
