Port

Of all wines, port is widely considered to be one of the most luxurious. Originating in Portugal, it has been a favorite, particularly in Britain, for 300 years. At the turn of the 18th cent. Portuguese wines enjoyed a large export boost due to the huge duties on French wines. As the Brit. Shipping co's. became more involved with this wine, so began a long relationship with port. It is now enjoyed around the world, particularly in America & also in France where it is poured as an aperitif. Here is a history of port, with details of the growing & fortifying procedures, a review of the varieties of port, & info. on the many wine Houses that produce port. A listing of brands & vintages, with each bottle shown in a color photo, offers a guide to the finest ports available.