Ports have vintages. Ports are fortified wines that are produced in the Douro Valley in Portugal. While most ports are blends of different years, there are certain years when the quality of the grapes is exceptional, and a vintage port is declared.
Vintage ports are only declared in outstanding years when the conditions are perfect for producing high-quality grapes. This usually happens about three times a decade, although it can vary. The decision to declare a vintage is made by each individual port house, and not all houses will declare a vintage in the same year.
When a vintage is declared, it means that the port house believes the grapes from that particular year have the potential to produce an exceptional wine that will age well and develop complex flavors over time. These vintage ports are made from a single harvest and are bottled after a relatively short period of aging in oak barrels.
The most recent vintage ports to be declared were in 2016, 2011, and 2007. These vintages are still young and will benefit from further aging to reach their full potential. Vintage ports are known for their longevity and can continue to improve and develop in the bottle for several decades.
One of the most famous vintage ports is the 1977 vintage. I had the pleasure of tasting a bottle of this wine a few years ago and it was truly remarkable. The color was still deep and vibrant, and the aromas were incredibly complex, with notes of dark fruits, spice, and tobacco. On the palate, it was rich and velvety, with a long, lingering finish. It was a wine that had clearly aged with grace and was still drinking beautifully after over 40 years.
Vintage ports are typically full-bodied, rich, and concentrated, with high levels of tannins and alcohol. They are often described as powerful and intense, with flavors of black fruits, chocolate, and spices. These wines are not for the faint of heart and are best enjoyed in small quantities, sipped slowly and savored.
It's important to note that vintage ports are different from other styles of port, such as tawny or ruby ports. Tawny ports, for example, are aged in oak barrels for an extended period of time, resulting in a lighter, more oxidized style of wine. Ruby ports, on the other hand, are typically younger and fruitier, and are not intended for long-term aging.
Ports do indeed have vintages. These vintages are declared in exceptional years when the grapes are of the highest quality. Vintage ports are known for their ability to age and develop complex flavors over time, and are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.