Answers to Im-PORT-ant Questions:

Because the Prager Family specializes in the Production of fine PORT wines, we are asked many questions about How Port is made??? Enjoy reading about the three most frequently asked questions with our responses.

WHAT IS PORT, AND HOW DOES IT DIFFER FROM REGULAR TABLE WINE?

Port is usually a sweet, red, fortified wine. Port takes its name from the very special wines produced in a specific District along the Douro River in Portugal. Ports, in California may be made from a number of grape varieties, and the resulting wine may be red, tawny or white. The main difference between port and other wines made from the same grapes is the addition of spirits before the fermentation is completed, this is called fortification. We fortify our fermenting wine with 170 proof California grape brandy. The alcohol content of the wine is brought up to about 19%, which stops the action of the yeast, leaving some of the grape sugars unfermentated, and this is why most ports are sweet. We are proud that we produce the least sweet ports in California. Generally, California ports will range anywhere from 10% to 13% residual sugar. Ours are between 6% to 7% for our Vintage and Tawnies. Our White Ports range from Dry to 3% residual sugar.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT STYLES OF PORT, AND HOW ARE THEY MADE?

There are two seperate classifications of ports, the first are Vintage Ports, which includes Vintage and Late-Bottled Vintage(LBV). These Ports are aged from 24 months, to less than five years, in oak barrels. This relatively short time in oak allows the port to develope its complexities slowly in the bottle for decades. The other classification is the Wood Ports. These include Tawnies, Rubies and White Ports. Unlike their Vintage counterparts these Ports spend five years plus aging in oak. With this longer barrel aging, it develops soft, nutty flavors. They are ready for consumption the day they are purchased. You can hold them for years, but they will not improve with age.

HOW LONG WILL A PORT LAST AFTER IT HAS BEEN OPENED?

Because of their high alcohol content, young Ports have the potential for lasting a good 4-6 months after the bottle has been opened, even after that length of time, don't be in a hurry to pour it down the drain. Since the Port has been subjected to the influence of air, it has undoubtedly become softer with an intensified nutty character. In other words, the Port will still be drinkable.

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