Taylor's Port is made in the Douro region of northern Portugal. The Douro region is known for its steep and terraced vineyards that line the banks of the Douro River. The unique geography and microclimate of the region create the perfect conditions for growing grapes that are used to produce Port wine.
I had the opportunity to visit the Douro region last year, and it was truly a breathtaking experience. The vineyards stretched as far as the eye could see, with rows upon rows of grapevines climbing up the hillsides. The landscape was rugged and beautiful, with the river winding its way through the valleys.
Taylor's Port has a long history in the Douro region, dating back to 1692. The company was founded by Job Bearsley, a British merchant who saw the potential of the region for producing high-quality Port wine. Over the centuries, Taylor's has built a reputation for excellence and is now considered one of the premier Port houses in the world.
The production of Taylor's Port begins in the vineyards, where carefully selected grape varieties are grown. The most common grape varieties used in Port production include Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, and Tinta Barroca. These grapes are known for their intense flavors and high levels of acidity, which are essential for producing Port wines with the structure and longevity that Taylor's is known for.
Once the grapes are harvested, they are transported to the winery where they undergo a process known as crushing and fermentation. During fermentation, the natural sugars in the grapes are converted into alcohol, creating a base wine that is then fortified with grape spirit. This fortification process stops the fermentation and preserves the natural sweetness of the wine.
After fortification, the wine is aged in oak barrels for a period of time, which can range from a few years to several decades. Taylor's offers a wide range of Port styles, including vintage ports, tawny ports, and the unique Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) style.
Vintage ports are made from grapes harvested in a single exceptional year and are only produced in the best vintages. These ports are known for their intense flavors, rich tannins, and potential for long-term aging. Tawny ports, on the other hand, are aged in oak barrels for a longer period of time, resulting in a smooth and mellow wine with nutty and caramel flavors.
Taylor's is also credited with creating the Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) style of Port. LBV ports are made from grapes harvested in a single year but are aged in barrels for a longer period of time before bottling. This extended aging process gives LBV ports a similar character to vintage ports, but at a fraction of the price. LBV ports are ready to drink upon release and do not require further aging.
Taylor's Port is made in the Douro region of northern Portugal. The company's long history and commitment to quality have established it as one of the most important Port houses in the region. From the vineyards to the winery, every step of the production process is carefully managed to ensure that Taylor's Port is of the highest quality. Whether you're enjoying a vintage port, a tawny port, or an LBV, you can be confident that you're experiencing the true essence of the Douro region.