Among other Port Wines, the unique character of Ruby Port is attributed to the fortification process, wherein grape spirit, known as aguardente, is added during fermentation. This intervention arrests the fermentation process and ensures the retention of residual sugars, imparting the wine with its luscious sweetness. With an alcohol content typically ranging between 19% and 22%, Ruby Port strikes a harmonious balance between its fortified nature and its palatably sweet disposition.
While its esteemed counterpart, Vintage Port, matures in bottles for many years, Ruby Port embarks on a different journey. Aged for a maximum of three years, this approach preserves the wine's youthful vivacity, its exuberant fruitiness, and its radiant color. The aging process occurs within large oak barrels or stainless steel vats, enabling the preservation of its fresh and vibrant qualities. Furthermore, Ruby Port undergoes filtration and sometimes pasteurization before it is bottled, ensuring that it does not develop with age nor form sediment. This renders it a versatile delight, ready to be enjoyed immediately upon uncorking, eliminating the need for decanting.
Within the realm of Ruby Port, one discovers a broad range of subtypes, each bearing its own distinct qualities and style, showcasing the artistry and diversity within this esteemed wine category. Let us embark on a journey through these varied expressions:
Basic Ruby Port:
Basic Ruby Port, the entry point for many wine enthusiasts, presents itself as a simple yet delightful introduction to this fortified wine. A blend of young wines from multiple vintages, it exudes a vibrant red color, inviting the senses to explore its fruity bouquet brimming with cherries, raspberries, and plums. With a medium-sweet profile, a medium-bodied structure, soft tannins, and a short finish, this approachable Ruby Port is best savored within a few years of bottling.Reserve Ruby Port:
For those seeking a step above the basic variant, Reserve Ruby Port proves to be an excellent choice. Crafted from a selection of higher quality wines, aged for three to four years in wood, this expression showcases a deeper ruby color, teasing the senses with a more complex aroma adorned with hints of spices, chocolate, and dried fruits. With a full-sweet disposition, a full-bodied character, smooth tannins, and a lingering finish, Reserve Ruby Port displays the capability to age gracefully for up to a decade after bottling.Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) Port:
Enter the realm of Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) Port, a special category of Ruby Port that draws from a single vintage. Unlike Vintage Port, LBV Port matures in wood for four to six years before finding its way into bottles. This extended aging process imparts a dark ruby hue, while the rich aroma entices with notes of blackberries, figs, and licorice. This exceptionally sweet, full-bodied masterpiece is accompanied by firm tannins and a resounding finish. Some variations undergo filtration, while others remain unfiltered, requiring the ceremonial decanting that adds to the mystique. With a potential aging capacity of up to two decades, LBV Port showcases the finesse that comes with time.Lisbon.vip Recommends
Crusted Port:
Among the exceptional creations within the Ruby Port family, Crusted Port stands apart, crafted from a blend of wines originating from two or three vintages. This unique expression diverges from the customary filtration and pasteurization, allowing it to develop a crust, or sediment, over time, lending it its intriguing name. A dark ruby hue sets the stage for a wine bursting with a powerful aroma, redolent of blackcurrants, raisins, and pepper. With its intense sweetness, full-bodied character, robust tannins, and an enduring finish, Crusted Port demands the ceremonial decanting process. It rewards the patience of those who allow it to age gracefully for up to three decades after bottling.To truly appreciate the nuances and depth of Ruby Port, it is essential to explore the art of serving and pairing. Here are some suggestions to enhance your enjoyment of this remarkable wine:
To unveil its full potential, serve Ruby Port slightly chilled, at around 16°C or 60°F. This slight chill enhances its refreshing qualities and accentuates the spectrum of fruity notes. Embrace the beauty of its color and aroma by selecting a port glass or a small wine glass that allows the wine to breathe and develop its aromatic bouquet.
As you pour Ruby Port, exercise caution to ensure a slow and steady flow, avoiding any disruption of sediment that may be present in unfiltered variations. This attentiveness ensures that the wine gracing your glass remains pristine, free from unwanted particles that may cloud the sensory experience.
While Ruby Port can be savored over multiple days, it is recommended to consume it within two to three days of opening the bottle. To retain its quality, store it in the refrigerator, with a cork or stopper securing the wine. This precaution safeguards against oxidation, ensuring that each subsequent glass is as delightful as the first.
As you embark on your exploration of Ruby Port, allow yourself to surrender to the captivating world of this fortified wine. Let each sip transport you to the sun-kissed slopes of Portugal's Douro Valley, where generations of winemakers have nurtured their craft, creating a sensory experience that is as timeless as it is unforgettable. Cheers to the artistry, tradition, and sheer delight found within each bottle of Ruby Port!
