Port Blend

Port Blend covers the fortified wines of Portugal's Douro Valley, built from a field of indigenous grapes rather than a single variety. Touriga Nacional brings structure and floral perfume, Touriga Franca adds red fruit and elegance, Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo) contributes body, and Tinta Barroca and Tinto Cão round out color and spice. Many old Douro vineyards are interplanted, with dozens of varieties harvested and foot-trodden together in granite lagares. Fermentation is stopped with grape spirit to keep natural sweetness, and the wine is then aged in bottle (Vintage, LBV) or in cask (Tawny, Colheita). Expect dark fruit, chocolate and spice in the young styles, and nuts, caramel and dried fruit in long-aged tawnies.