Sandeman is a port wine. It is specifically classified as a Fine Tawny port. Port wine is a fortified wine that is produced in the Douro Valley in Portugal. It is made from a blend of different grape varieties, including Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, and Tinta Barroca, among others.
To produce Sandeman Porto Fine Tawny, the grapes are carefully hand-picked. This ensures that only the highest quality grapes are used in the production process. After picking, the grapes undergo stalk-removal and crushing. This is an important step in the winemaking process as it helps to release the sugars and juices from the grapes.
The crushed grapes then undergo fermentation under controlled temperatures. This allows for the development of the desired flavors and aromas in the wine. During fermentation, the grape skins are left in contact with the juice. This process, known as skin maceration, helps to extract the best components from the grapes, such as color, tannins, and flavor compounds.
After fermentation, the wine is fortified with a neutral grape spirit. This increases the alcohol content of the wine and also helps to preserve it. The fortification process is an important characteristic of port wine, as it gives it its distinct taste and style.
Once fortified, the wine is aged in oak barrels for a period of time. This aging process is crucial in the development of the wine's flavor profile. Sandeman Porto Fine Tawny is a Tawny port, which means that it has been aged for a number of years in oak barrels. This aging process imparts a smooth and complex character to the wine, with notes of dried fruits, nuts, and spices.
Sandeman Porto Fine Tawny can be enjoyed on its own as a dessert wine or paired with a variety of foods. Its rich and complex flavors make it a great accompaniment to chocolate desserts, caramel-based desserts, and even strong cheeses.
Sandeman is indeed a port wine. Its production process follows the traditional methods of port wine production, including hand-picking the grapes, fermentation with skin maceration, fortification with grape spirit, and aging in oak barrels. The result is a Fine Tawny port with a smooth and complex flavor profile.