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+--- Thread: Dry ports (/thread-15867.html)
- wwhps - 12-29-2000
I have just been introduced to a delightful drink call port. I normally don't like sweet wines and my friends told me that the one I tried was a dry one. Is it possible to find out how dry or sweet a port is by the label? If not, then how? Can you recommend any that are modestly priced? Many thanks in advance.
- Innkeeper - 12-29-2000
Hi Wwhps, welcome to the Wine Board. The term Dry Port is an oxymoron. Ruby Port is sweet. Tawny Port is less sweet.
- janrob - 12-29-2000
Was it a white port? These are often dry, particularly the more traditional style like the British tend to like, and often served with club soda as a tall drink. Taylor's Chip Dry is probably the best example (too dry for my taste). Other white ports can range from dry to sweet and are often very pretty.
- wwhps - 12-29-2000
I knew that asking for a 'dry' port was going to get me into trouble. The beverage in question was a deep red color, so I guess it was a ruby? When I visited the Port Insitute website (apparently located in the U.K.), it said that ports can range from very sweet to extra dry and can contain sugars ranging from >130 g/l to <40 g/l. It also said that this can be listed on the label, which I haven't been able to find, so maybe port sold in the U.K. has different labeling requirements. Perhaps I'll just have to bite the bullet and but a bottle. A couple of sources have recommended Smith-Woodhouse. Any other suggestions?
- winoweenie - 12-29-2000
Wwhps, welcome to the board. Most all port houses make a LBV port that falls normally under 20 bucks.The 10-year-old Tawnys are also in the price range. Try a few until you find a style you like. Good drinking. winoweenie
- wwhps - 12-30-2000
Thanks for the tip winoweenie. Now for another small question. What does LBV stand for? We're expecting a small blizzard here in New Jersey. My plan is to pick up a bottle of port before it starts, play in the snow and then curl up with it and some friends in front of a crackling fire.
- chittychattykathy - 12-30-2000
LBV=Late Bottled Vintage, it is a type of vintage Porto that is ready to be consumed when you buy it. It is made from a single harvest and aged for 4-6 years in cask before being bottled and released. (Make sure and have some Chestnuts roasting on that fire as well, to go with this port.) And Welcome! CCK