Everyone knows port, right? Or at least, knows about port. Port comes from Portugal, from the city of (O)porto. As simple as that. But of course that is not the whole story. There is so much more to learn about this great and historic wine. Especially after a visit to the city the wine takes its name from and the area where it is produced, you come back with loads of new knowledge. Here are two more things I think are worth sharing after a recent three-day trip to Porto. Tomorrow, there will be another two… And the first two were published yesterday!
3. So important was the export of port for the kingdom of Portugal, that already in 1756 the Marquis de Pombal demarcated the area in which the base wines for port were allowed to be produced. (Base wines are called ‘Generoso’ in the area by the way; base wine is too ‘lowly’.) Granite markers were put up, several of which are still to be found in place. With some alterations through the centuries, the demarcation is still in force! Thus, port has the oldest ‘appellation controlée’ in the world.
4. The port producing area along the river Douro is usually divided in three: the Baixa Corgo, the Cima Corgo and the Douro Superior. Of the three, the Cima Corgo counts as the area with the best vineyards, but recently there is a lot going on in the Douro Superior. The wild and majestic landscape is popular for expanding vineyard areas, higher up on the mountains and even on north-facing slopes! To find cooler spots in the extremely hot Douro valley has become an important necessity in the 21st century.
