D5 : Fortified Wines > Port > Flashcards

Port Flashcards

(51 cards)

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1
Q

When did the practice of fortifying Douro wines during rather than after fermentation begin?

A

The late 1600s

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2
Q

What was the traditional role of a shipper?

A

They were agents who took a commission for shipping Port abroad
They also acquired Port from brokers in the Douro and then stored the wines in cellars or warehouses called ‘lodgers’ in Vila Nova de Gaia

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3
Q

When were the Port vineyards demarcated and production regulations first implemented?

A

1756

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4
Q

When was the IVDP (Instituto dos Vinhos do Porto e do Douro) created?

A

2003

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5
Q

When was the Beneficio created? And what does it do?

A

1932
Vineyard parcels were rated from A to I based on their suitability for producing Port

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6
Q

When did Portugal enter the EU and what did it mean for the quality of Port?

A

1986
By 1991 producers were permitted to source and buy their own aguardente on the open market leading to a rise in quality of aguardente being used and therefore the quality of Port also improved

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7
Q

What is the climate of Douro?

A

Hot continental

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8
Q

What is the main mountain feature in Douro?

A

Marao Mountains

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9
Q

What are the 3 subregions of Douro?

A

Baixo Corgo
Cima Corgo
Douro Superio

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10
Q

Which is the coolest subregion of Douro?

A

Baixo Corgo
The coolest and wettest, most westerly region
900mm rain per year
Grapes grown here for many inexpensive Ruby and Tawny Ports

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11
Q

What is the region where grapes for most age indicated Tawny and Vintage Ports are grown?

A

Cima Corgo
Warmer and drier than Baixo Corgo as it is further inland
700mm rain per year

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12
Q

What is the warmest subregion of Douro?

A

Douro Superior
The furthest from the coast so hottest and driest
450mm rain per year

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13
Q

What type of soil does the Douro have?

A

Stony shallow soils that are free-draining and poor in nutrients, limiting vine vigour
The bedrock is schist which splits into vertical layers, meaning rainwater percolates easily and vine roots are able to penetrate deep into the bedrock to find water

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14
Q

Is irrigation permitted in the Douro?

A

Only in exceptional circumstances, such as drought

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15
Q

What are the three different vineyard layouts in the Douro?

A

Patamares
Socalcos
Vinha ao alto

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16
Q

What are socalcos?

A

Traditional, narrow terraces that are supported by dry rock walls
Vines are planted along the contour in one or two rows
Planting density is relatively high
Not suitable for mechanisation and additional labour is required to maintain the walls
Protected by UNESCO so cannot be converted to another layout

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17
Q

What are patamares?

A

Terraces supported by steep earth banks instead of drystone walls
Vines are planted along the contour
Planting density is relatively low as the banks take up a lot of space
Mechanisation is possible
Erosion and weed growth on the earth banks can be a problem

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18
Q

What are the two kinds of patamares?

A
  • Large wide patamares that support two rows of vines on each terrace (original form)
  • Narrow patamares that support one row of vines on each terrace (more modern version)
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19
Q

What are the positives and negatives of large wide patamares?

A

Positive
- Two rows of vines on each terrace makes efficient use of land
Negative
- Uneven ripeness can be an issue, with the exterior row of vines gaining more sun exposure

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20
Q

What are the positives of narrow patamares?

A

Positive
- Uneven ripeness less of an issue as only one row per terrace
- Often tilted down slightly toward the hillside, aiding water retention and reducing erosion
- Also slope slightly along the length of the terrace which aids drainage in heavy rainfall

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21
Q

What is the Vinha ao Alto layout?

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A

Vines are planted vertically up and down the slope, not along the contour
Planting density it relatively high
Limited to slopes of less than 40% to allow for mechanisation
More land-use efficient than patamares
Least expensive layout option to plant and maintain
Water run-off and erosion can be problems

22
Q

Why is canopy management important in the Douro?

Study These Flashcards
A

Managing levels of shade in the canopy is important to ensure the grapes get the necessary level of sun exposure.

23
Q

Which rootstocks are typically used in the Douro?

Study These Flashcards
A

110R and 1103R
Both are hybrids of V.rupestris and V.berlandieri

24
Q

Why would cover crops be grown on vinha ao alto slopes?

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A

To reduce erosion, improve soil structure and nutrition

25
Why are the grapes harvested by hand?
Much of the vineyard topography is not suitable for machine harvesting
26
What are the 5 main varieties in Port?
Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, Touriga Nacional, Tinto Cao
27
Why are Ports generally made from a mix of different grape varieties?
To take advantage of the different characteristics of each grape Reduces vintage variation In vineyards planted to field blends, all varieties are harvested together
28
What are the main grapes for White Port?
Malvasia Fina (Boal) Moscatel Galego Branco (Muscat Blanc a Petit Grains)
29
Why does extraction need to be speedy and effective in Port production?
Maceration on skins happens over a maximum of 2 days
30
What are lagares?
Shallow rectangular tanks around 80cm deep, allowing a large surface area between the juice and the skins Traditionally made from granite and extraction done by foot treading Still used for a small number of premium and super premium ports
31
What is an autovinifier and how does it work?
Sealed concrete or stainless tanks Rising CO2 pressure from fermentation pushes must upwards through a pipe into an upper holding tank When the pressure of the CO2 reaches a certain level, a valve is released at the base of the upper tank and must flows down from the upper tank and sprays over the cap
32
What are 2 key advantages of autovinifiers?
Do not require electricity Requires very little labour
33
Why are autovinifiers typically used for basic Tawny, White and Ruby Ports?
Because the process is reliant on CO2 released from fermentation, very little extraction occurs before fermentation starts Meaning they tend to be lighter in colour, body and flavour compared to other methods
34
What is aguardente?
The spirit used to fortify Port
35
What percentage abv is aguardente and what must it be made of?
77% abv and must be made from grapes or other grape derived products
36
Why is blending a key part of Port production?
- Ports are generally blends of different vineyard parcels, different grape varieties and sometimes different vintages - Batches that have been treated differently in the winery may be kept separate and used as blending options - Many Ports are NV products so blending is an important part of ensuring consistency
37
Why are Ports usually shipped from the vineyard area to lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia for maturation?
The climate of Vila Nova de Gaia is better suited to maturation. The strong Atlantic influence means temperatures are cooler and more consistent
38
What size are the largest vats in Port and how much do they hold?
Balseiros, 100,000L Generally used to store wines and retain freshness
39
What size barrel would be used if gentle oxidation is desired?
600L pipes
40
What is the role of the IVDP?
They govern and represent the interests of wine producers in the Douro. They control and supervise the production and trade of Port and other wines from Douro. They regulate the volume that can be produced in any one year (beneficio) and the volume that can be released to the market. They hold the register of vineyards and companies involved in production and shipping. They taste and analyse prospective Ports to ensure they meet the specs required They help to promote Ports
41
What are the main factors taken into account for the beneficio classification system?
Location, altitude, aspect, soils and grape varieties
42
How is the beneficio calculated?
For each vineyard parcel, each factor is given a numerical score. The scores are totalled to give a single score for each parcel The score falls into bands which correspond to a letter from A to I with A being the highest
43
Are parcels classified as G, H and I permitted to make Port?
No, they are used to make unfortified wine or wine that will be distilled into spirits
44
Who decides the volume of must that is produced each year?
The IVDP, growers and producers
45
How does the beneficio system aim to keep Port prices stable?
The volume agreed upon every year takes into consideration market demand as well as stock levels available in the market. The beneficio also controls the price of grapes used for Port production
46
Has the beneficio system of controlling supply changed since it's introduction in 1933?
No
47
What is a Colheita Port?
A Tawny Port from a single vintage. It must be aged in small, old barrels for a minimum of 7 years before bottling. The label must state the vintage of the wine as well as the year it was bottles
48
What are the requirements for a Vintage Port?
Must be from a single 'declared' vintage. Producers must register their intention to release a VP in the 2nd year after harvest and the young wine must be approved by an IVDP tasting panel. Must undergo a maximum of 3 years ageing in old wooden vessels
49
What are the two main grapes used in a Vintage Port?
Touriga Franca and Touriga Nacional
50
What is a Crusted Port?
Made from more than one vintage. Aged in old casks for up to two years before being bottled without fining or filtration. Can be similar in style to VP and have considerable ageing potential
51
What is a Late Bottled Vintage Port?
Port from a single vintage. They must be bottled between 4 and 6 years after harvest. Bottled ready to drink Can be bottled unfiltered or filtered
D5 : Fortified Wines
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