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Port wines and cockburns experience

Crossing the majestic Dom Luís I Bridge from Porto, we enter the fascinating world of Port wine in Vila Nova de Gaia. Even from the Ribeira promenade in Porto, the large signs of the wine cellars already announce the treasures that await us on the other side. Upon arrival, we are greeted by the traditional Rabelo boats floating on the Douro River, a nostalgic reminder of their historic role in the wine trade. Each ship, adorned with pennants bearing the names of Gaia’s most iconic wineries, carries barrels of wine, a testament to how this trade was once conducted.

Port wines are truly unique and very different from the traditional wines produced in the world’s main wine regions, such as Italy, France, or Spain. From the type of grapes used to their production process, these wines possess a distinctive personality that sets them apart.

To delve deeper into their history and tradition, we visited Cockburn’s, one of the finest wineries in Gaia. But first, let’s explore the characteristics of Port wines and the different types that exist.

 

A quick dive: What is Port wine?

This Port wine’s story begins in the breathtaking landscapes of Portugal’s Douro Valley. Along its natural terraces, we discover the native grape varieties that give this treasured wine its unique character. These include Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Amarela, and Tinto Cão.

To tell the truth, the famous Port wine we know today for its distinctive sweet taste and high alcohol content was born from a fortunate coincidence. This happened when the English added brandy to the wine, creating the unique effect that makes it so special.  Although it is a sweet wine, its pairing is not limited to being the perfect companion for desserts or aperitif evenings. Port wines can also be an excellent choice to enjoy at the table, complementing different types of dishes depending on their classification.

Fortification

The journey of Port wines begins much like that of traditional wines. With the grape harvest taking place in mid-September, the process continues with the traditional crushing of the grapes, followed by fermentation, during which the color, tannins, and aromas are released. However, it is after this stage, when only 50% of the sugars have been converted into alcohol, that the magic of crafting this extraordinary elixir truly begins.

Port wines and cockburns experience

The partially fermented wine, still under a layer of grape skins, is removed and transferred to a barrel, where 77% colorless grape spirit (vinic alcohol) is added. This halts the fermentation process, resulting in a sweet wine, as only half of the natural sugars are transformed, and achieves a higher alcohol content due to the addition of the spirit.

Types of Port Wines

We’ve already uncovered part of the secret behind Port wines. However, while this general process forms the foundation of their production, Port wines are classified into several types, each with its own unique character, ideal occasion, and perfect pairing, offering something to suit every taste.

Port wines and cockburns experience

  • Ruby Port wines: According to what we learned during our visit to Cockburn’s winery, Ruby is the ideal wine for those who are new to this type of wine. They age in barrels for 2 to 3 years and are characterized by their intense aroma of red fruits and flavors such as plums and cherries. Within the Ruby category, winemakers create sub-classifications, including Ruby Reserva and Ruby Premium, using higher-quality grapes. These wines pair perfectly with blue cheeses, Gorgonzola, and dark chocolates.
  • Tawny Port wines: These wines spend a longer time aging in oak barrels, which gives them their characteristic light reddish hue, a hallmark of this style. Their aroma combines fruity notes with hints of caramel and honey, while on the palate, they reveal flavors of dried fruits. This wine is the perfect way to conclude a delightful meal, pairing beautifully with creamy desserts such as crème brûlée, crème caramel, and other similar treats.
  • White Port Wines: These wines typically spend between 1 to 3 years aging in barrels. People know them for their freshness and lightness, making them the perfect companion for a summer aperitif alongside cheese boards and other light bites. Additionally, bartenders use them as a key ingredient in a classic Porto cocktail inspired by the traditional Gin Tonic: the Portonic, where they replace gin with white Port wine.
  • Vintage Port Wines: This is the star of all Port wines. Only the finest grapes are selected for its production, and it is the only Port that matures exclusively in the bottle. It typically evolves over 10 to 50 years, making it a prized choice for collectors due to its exceptional longevity. The perfect pairings for these wines include chocolate desserts, strong cheeses, fruit tarts, and similar indulgences.

The Cockburn’s experience

 

Port wines and cockburns experience

Visiting Cockburn’s Winery is a truly wonderful experience, it feels like a journey back in time. The adventure begins in their museum, which you can explore while waiting for the guided tour. For this reason, I recommend you arrive at least 15 minutes early to immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the winery’s origins, which the guide will later enrich with their insights.

Throughout the tour, we walk on a dirt floor surrounded by enormous barrels and the aromas of wine, as we listen to the captivating story of Cockburn’s, which began in 1815. Over the years, Cockburn’s has endured wars, market shifts, and generations of change, all while remaining steadfast to its heritage.

 

Port wines and cockburns experience

One of the most fascinating details was learning about the creation of toneis (large wooden barrels). Cockburn’s is the only winery that still preserves this tradition, employing some of the last generation of coopers. During the tour, you can even visit their manufacturing space and witness this remarkable craft in action.

Port wines and cockburns experience

Tasting Types at Cockburn’s

The tasting was the most anticipated part of the visit. After hearing about the rich history, the meticulous manufacturing process, and the years of aging for some of the wines, we were eager to finally experience their flavors. At this stage, you can choose from several tasting options, which I detail below.

Port wines and cockburns experience

Port wines and cockburns experience

Classic Tasting

  • Cockburn’s Special Reserve
  • Cockburn’s Late Bottled Vintage
  • Cockburn’s 10 Year Old Tawny

Premium Tasting with Chocolate Paring

  • Cockburn’s Fine White (Passion fruit chocolate)
  • Cockburn’s 20 Year Old Tawny (Yuzu/cinnamon chocolate)
  • Quinta dos Canais Vintage (Raspberry chocolate)

Tawny Tasting

  • Cockburn’s O Provador
  • Cockburn’s 10 Year Old Tawny
  • Cockburn’s 20 Year Old Tawny

Super Premium Tasting

  • Special Reserve
  • Cockburn’s 20 Year Old Tawny
  • Cockburn’s Vintage Port

Aged Tawny Tasting

  • Cockburn’s 20 Year Old Tawny
  • Dow’s 30 Year Old Tawny
  • Grahams’s 40 Year Old Tawny

Vintage Tasting Paired with Cheese

  • Cockburn’s Quinta dos Canais Vintage (Sheep cheese, Nisa DOP)
  • Cockburn’s Vintage 2016 (Cow cheese, S. Jorge DOP)
  • Cockburn’s Vintage 2017 (Goat cheese, Beiralacte)

Including a Port wine tasting is undoubtedly one of the top things to do in Porto. Exploring one of the many wineries available elevates the experience even further. For me, Cockburn’s proved to be an excellent choice, not only because of its charming and historic location but also for the quality and depth of the guide’s explanations, their kindness, and the exquisite wine tasting options offered.

Hi! My name is Yareli, and I am a travel and food writer from the Dominican Republic currently living in the breathtaking Tuscany region of Italy. As a traveler, I'm constantly seeking out new destinations to explore and learn about. My passion for travel and culture has led me to focus on writing about the fascinating histories, customs, and cuisines of the places I visit. Whether I'm sampling the local street food in a bustling city or savoring a gourmet meal in a quaint village, I'm always eager to share my experiences with others.