basic question

[joeyz6]

Forgive the simplicity of my question, but for a Port to be "real," does it have to have been produced in Portugal? (like Champagne, for example)

[Thomas]

Let's put it this way: the process of making port wine can be done anywhere. But you won't get the soil and you won't often get the same grape varieties when port wine is produced elsewhere. And yes, the Portuguese lay claim to the word Port (Oporto) the same way the French in Champagne lay claim to that name.

Think of this way: it certainly would be strange to find a French or Portuguese wine called Sonoma or Napa or Finger Lakes?

[Bucko]

Agree with Foodie to a point, but the very term Port has become engrained as a style of wine rather than the region. Zinfandel Port (or Petite Sirah Port or whatever) lets the buyer know that they are getting a sweet, high alcohol wine designed after a Port, but I don't think anyone tries to say I am a Port Port.

[Thomas]

The same argument is made for Champagne, and so I guess we can go back to those California bottlings of chablis, burgundy and rhine wine too. I say no to all name stealing.

[winoweenie]

Back to your corners, and break clean.REFWW

[Bucko]

Foodie and I like the mud.... embarrasses the pig though.