When trying to find the best port, it can be easy to get confused by the different varieties lining retailers’ shelves. But don’t worry, as I’m here to make sense of the labelling and categories, and to help simplify matters.

There are three basic types of port, all of which must come from grapes grown in the Upper Douro region of northern Portugal. Ruby port is matured in the bottle and has a dark hue, which gives it its name; tawny port is aged in barrels and has a lighter colour; while white port needn’t have any age at all and is pale yellow in colour.

Within each category, there are different styles. Ruby ports range from basic ruby and reserve ruby to late-bottled vintages (made from a single year’s harvest) and vintage single quinta (originating from a single estate).

Tawny por

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