Are you, like us, enthusiastic about port wine and want to delve further into this drink after reading our general port guide? Then you've come to the right place! In our upcoming blogs, we will delve deeper into the different types of port. We kick off with one of the most accessible varieties: Ruby port.
(Source photo: Graham's Port Facebook page)
Ruby port
Ruby port, one of the most popular styles of port wine, has a fascinating history dating back to the 17th century, when passionate winemakers began experimenting with ways to stabilise wine for the long journey to England. While the exact origins of this port remain shrouded in mystery, one thing is certain: generations of passionate winemakers have helped refine this unique wine into what it is today.
Ruby Port gets its name from its distinctive red colour, which resembles the glistening ruby. This deep, vibrant red colour is obtained during the wine's production process.
After the fermentation of the grapes and before the wine is aged, Ruby Port is treated with a process called "maceration". During this process, the wine stays in contact with the grape skins, extracting the intense colour and flavours. The result is a wine with a rich, ruby hue characteristic of Ruby Port.
Ruby port is usually aged briefly in stainless steel tanks or large casks, which helps it retain its youthful and fruity character. It is a popular choice for everyday port drinking because of its affordability, lively flavours and immediate accessibility.
What does Ruby port taste like?
Ruby port has a lively and fruity flavour profile, characterised by intense aromas of ripe berries, cherries and plums. The flavour is generally sweet and refreshing, with a perfect balance between fruitiness, acidity and tannins.
Popularity and consumption
Ruby Port is certainly one of the most widely drunk styles of port wine, mainly because of its accessibility, affordability and lively flavours. It is a favourite choice for port wine lovers and beginners alike because of its fruity character and wide availability. Although other styles of port are also popular, such as Tawny Port and Vintage Port, Ruby Port remains a firm favourite for everyday drinking and as a versatile culinary companion.
Well-known brands
There are several renowned brands known for their excellent Ruby Port. One of the leading names in the world of port, for example, is Graham's. This Portuguese winery, founded in 1820 by William and John Graham, is synonymous with high-quality premium port wines, including a wide range of choices in the Ruby Port category.
Graham's Six Grapes is a specific variety of ruby port produced by Graham's. It is a blend of different vintages and grape varieties, mainly Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Tinta Roriz. Six Grapes is known for its quality and is considered one of Graham's most accessible and affordable port wines. It is therefore definitely recommended, especially for lovers of fruity, young port wines.
Other well-known brands include Dow's, Warre's, Taylor's and Fonseca, all known for their craftsmanship and dedication to producing exquisite port wines.
What to eat with Ruby port?
Ruby port goes hand in hand with a range of flavours due to its versatile character:
- Cheese boards: Ruby port is an excellent choice to pair with a selection of cheeses, especially spicy and blue cheeses. The sweetness of the port is a perfect contrast to the salty and spicy flavours of the cheeses, resulting in heaven on earth!
- Chocolate desserts: The fruity and sweet flavours also go perfectly with chocolate desserts such as chocolate cake, brownies or truffles, for example.
- Red meat: Ruby port is a great companion for red meat dishes such as grilled beef, lamb or stews. The sweetness and fruitiness of the port complement the savoury flavours of the meat, creating a perfectly balanced and flavourful combination.
- Fruity desserts: Besides chocolate desserts, ruby port also goes well with fruity desserts such as berry pie or apple crumble.
- Nuts and dried fruit: A simple but oh so delicious combination is to serve ruby port with an assortment of nuts and dried fruit.
A cocktail recipe with Ruby port: Port Cobbler
Port Cobbler is a classic cocktail with a modern twist, perfect for a relaxing evening at home or as an elegant drink for a festive occasion.
Ingredients
- 60 ml ruby port
- 30 ml orange juice
- 15 ml fresh lemon juice
- 15 ml simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water)
- Fresh berries (such as raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries)
- Fresh mint leaves
- Crushed ice
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with crushed ice.
- Add the ruby port, orange juice, lemon juice and simple syrup to the shaker.
- Close the shaker tightly and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to mix and chill the ingredients well.
- Place some fresh berries and mint leaves in a tumbler glass.
- Fill the glass with crushed ice.
- Strain the cocktail into the glass over the berries and mint.
- Garnish with additional berries and a sprig of mint.
Marketing • Blogger
As a creative jack-of-all-trades in the marketing world, I also bring that imaginative flair to my drink choices. Whether on a night out, sunny vacation or social gathering with girlfriends, I'm always in my element with a refreshing cocktail in hand. Cocktails have stolen my heart because of the endless possibilities to experiment and explore. My favorite cocktail of the moment is the "Lazy Red Cheeks"! A delicious cocktail using vodka as a base. I love vodka because it mixes perfectly with non-alcoholic drinks. My favorite spirit? Rum!
