Off The Vine Media

1987 Vintage port from Martinez

A few weeks ago some friends were over for dinner.  I was told that my friend was bringing something special for the meal.  We made chipotle-marinated pork chops with chimichurri sauce along with asparagus with balsamic tomatoes (it was amazing).  After we all had our fill, out came the surprise a vintage 1987 port by Martinez.  I had never had the privilege of trying a vintage port let alone a wine of this age I was incredibly excited.  Not knowing the condition of the cork we took our time opening the bottle.  After no issues, I poured a little into my friends glass and he took a sip.  I saw a smile come over his face and I had to ask the obvious, how was it?  what he said next was simple but spoke volumes ” This is so smooth, and I have to say this is the best port I have ever had”.  From that moment I knew that we were all in for a great rest of the night. Some of us were not big fans of port to begin with but its amazing when you try something that is of a high quality and a superb taste how easily your opinion can be swayed.   As the evening wore on we began to talk about the age of the wine and what we were all doing at the time the grapes were picked and the wine was bottled.  It is truly amazing that something so old can still be so good.  I guess it is true what they say, things do get better with age!

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You get home after a long day at the office.  Your tired and frustrated mood leads you to open a bottle of something heavy and thick.  Maybe a Merlot or Port.  Anything that may help you to relax and unwind after a long day.  Maybe, you are out with friends at a park having a picnic on a beautiful summer day and everyone is in a upbeat and light mood.  You may find yourself sipping a floral and light Riesling, sauvignon blanc or a Gewurztraminer.  I find it amazing that so many times what we drink is closely related to the mood we are in.  Next time you find yourself opening a new bottle of wine ask yourself is what I am drinking reflective of how I feel, and should it matter?

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The Távora river meandering through the terraced hillside

If you have never had the opportunity to visit the home of Port then you are missing out on beautiful scenery, wonderful people, great history, and amazing port.  The Douro Valley and Porto /Vila Nova De Gaia is where all the magic happens.  What I enjoyed most by this experience was the fact that I got to see and enjoy where this wonderful wine calls home and how its home has shaped it through the years.  We often forgot what has shaped the wines we drink.  Port is no exception with its beautiful terraced hill sides, storied port houses, and families.  All of these have made what port is today.  If you have never tried this fortified wine I suggest giving it a try.  It is wonderful on a cold evening or after a meal with family and friends.  While you take a sip you may find yourself tasting raisins, leather, tobacco, or something else even more amazing

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So its 5 degrees outside and as you stare out the window you find that snow is gently falling.  Yes you are correct it is winter.  While for some this may leave a bad taste in there mouth, but for others it means it is time to break out the winter wines.  It seems that as the weather changes so does our taste for wine.  I know for me that on a cold winters evening I love a nice glass of port after my meal, or if I am looking for something with my meal I may pick a bold and hardy red.  I think there is something about a a bold, deep and rich wine on a winters evening that helps to warm you up. I think this excerpt from the Chicago tribune gives a great picture about what I am talking about

“Speaking of alcohol, more red wine, full-bodied beers like stout, and liquors that can be mixed with coffee, such as Irish whiskey, are sold in Illinois during winter, said Daniel Clausner, executive director of the state’s Licensed Beverage Association.

On particularly cold nights, Clausner may order a beer with an appetizer, a glass of wine with dinner and whiskey with dessert.

“It definitely would warm me up from the inside and give me some stamina and determination to face the nasty cold weather,” he said.” (Chicago Tribune, “Chicago Singing winter blues”,Gerry Smith and Robert McCoppin, 2/9/11)

I think this principle also plays true to other seasons as well.  I find it amazing that something as simple as the seasons changing can have a profound impact on what we eat and drink. It just goes to show you that it isn’t as complex as we may think. Let us know what your favorite wine is during the winter months.  Cheers

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