Is Taylor Port and Taylor Fladgate the same?

Answered by Robert Golston

Is Taylor Port and Taylor Fladgate the same?

Taylor Port and Taylor Fladgate are not the same. While they are closely related, there are some important distinctions to be made between the two.

Taylor Fladgate is a historic Port House that has been producing exceptional fortified wines since its founding in 1692. They are known for their commitment to quality and their dedication to traditional winemaking techniques. Taylor Fladgate is one of the most respected and renowned Port producers in Portugal, and their wines are highly sought after by enthusiasts around the world.

Taylor Port, on the other hand, is a specific type of wine produced by Taylor Fladgate. It is a sweet, fortified wine that is made from a blend of different grape varieties, including Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, and Tinto Cão. The grapes used to make Taylor Port are grown in the Douro Valley in northern Portugal, where the unique climate and soil conditions contribute to the wine's distinctive character.

Taylor Port is known for its elegance, power, and finesse. It is rich and full-bodied, with intense flavors of ripe fruit, spice, and chocolate. The wine is aged in oak for several years before being bottled, allowing it to develop depth and complexity.

One of the most famous Taylor Ports is the Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port. This is a premium wine that is only produced in exceptional years when the grapes are of the highest quality. Vintage Port is known for its ability to age and improve in the bottle for many decades. It is a wine that can be enjoyed now, but also has the potential to be cellared and enjoyed in the future.

In addition to Vintage Port, Taylor Fladgate also produces other styles of Port, including Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) Port, which is aged for a shorter period of time and is ready to drink upon release, and Tawny Port, which is aged in oak barrels for an extended period of time, resulting in a more oxidized and nutty flavor profile.

Having personally tasted and experienced Taylor Port and other wines from Taylor Fladgate, I can attest to the exceptional quality and craftsmanship that goes into their production. The attention to detail and the passion of the winemakers shines through in every sip.

While Taylor Port is a specific type of wine produced by Taylor Fladgate, they are not the same. Taylor Fladgate is the esteemed Port House that has been producing exceptional wines for centuries, and Taylor Port is one of the exceptional wines that they produce.