Port And The Douro

Port is indisputably one of the world's great fortified wines. Enthusiasm for Port has never been greater and world-wide shipments continue to break all previous records. This book recounts the fascinating history of Port and the Douro up to the present day. It looks at the physical conditions of the region, grape varieties and vineyards, with an assessment of each of the main quintas in the Douro. It describes how Port is made and the many different styles of Port, from White and Ruby through to Vintage. The author includes his assessment of the wines back to 1960 and major vintages as far back as 1896. A directory of individual Port producers and shippers is included, and an evaluation of the principal producers of the unfortified wines of the Douro. The author concludes with an examination of the prospects for Port and the Douro in the twenty-first century. A book for the armchair wine enthusiast, it includes indispensable information for anyone visiting Oporto and the Douro valley. Previous books on Port have tended to examine this wine in isolation. This book seeks to redress the balance by putting Port wine in context. Book jacket.