is taylor port red wine

Viren

2 min read

·

20-12-2024

94

0

Share

Is Taylor Port Red Wine? Understanding Taylor's Port Styles

The question "Is Taylor Port red wine?" requires a nuanced answer. While Taylor's is indeed a renowned producer of Port wine, and Port is fundamentally a red wine, it's not quite that simple. Taylor's produces several types of Port, some of which are more distinctly red than others. Let's delve into the details.

What is Port Wine?

Before we discuss Taylor's, let's clarify what Port wine is. Port is a fortified wine, meaning brandy is added during fermentation, raising the alcohol content and halting the conversion of sugar to alcohol. This results in a sweet, rich wine with a complex flavour profile. Traditionally, Port is made from red grapes, although white Port exists as well.

Taylor's Port: A Range of Styles

Taylor's, a leading Port house, produces a variety of Port styles, each with its own characteristics:

• Ruby Port: This is the most common type of Port, and yes, it's definitely red. It's typically younger, fruitier, and has a vibrant red colour. Taylor's Ruby Port is a prime example of this style, showcasing bright fruit flavours and a smooth finish.

• Reserve Ruby Port: A step up from Ruby, Reserve Ruby Ports like Taylor's Reserve typically undergo longer aging, resulting in more complex flavours and a slightly softer colour, still undeniably red.

• Tawny Port: Unlike Ruby Port, Tawny Port is aged in oak barrels, which significantly alters its colour and flavour profile. While it starts as red, the extended oxidation during barrel aging lightens the colour to a brownish-gold hue. Therefore, while originating from red grapes, Tawny Port is not a bright red wine.

• White Port: This Port is made from white grapes and is, naturally, not red. Taylor's also produces a range of White Ports.

So, the Answer Is…

The short answer is: some Taylor's Port is red, and some is not. Their Ruby and Reserve Ruby Ports are distinctly red wines. However, their Tawny Ports and White Ports are not red. The colour and style of the Port depend entirely on the type of Port and the aging process.

Choosing Your Taylor's Port

To select a Taylor's Port that meets your expectations, consider the following:

• Desired Colour: If you want a vibrant red wine, opt for a Ruby or Reserve Ruby Port.
• Flavour Profile: Ruby Ports offer bright fruit flavours, while Tawny Ports have more nutty and caramel notes due to oak aging.
• Occasion: Ruby Port is often enjoyed younger and more casually, while Tawny Port is sometimes considered more sophisticated and enjoyed as a contemplative drink.

By understanding the different types of Port offered by Taylor's, you can make an informed choice based on your preferences. Enjoy responsibly!