The Difference Between Ruby Tawny and Vintage Port Styles

When it comes to the world of Port wine, there are several different styles to choose from. Two popular styles that often get confused are Ruby Tawny and Vintage Port. While they may seem similar at first glance, there are key differences that set them apart. In this report, we will delve into the characteristics of each style, their production methods, and how they differ in taste and aging potential.

Ruby Port

Ruby Port is one of the most common styles of Port wine. It is typically made from a blend of different grape varieties, including Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, and Touriga Franca. The grapes are harvested and then fermented for a short period of time before the fermentation process is stopped by the addition of grape brandy. This results in a sweet and fruity wine with a deep red color.
One of the key characteristics of Ruby Port is its vibrant and youthful flavors. It is known for its rich berry fruit flavors, such as blackberry, raspberry, and cherry. Ruby Port is aged in large oak barrels for a relatively short period of time, typically around two to three years. This minimal aging process helps to preserve the fresh fruit flavors of the wine.
In terms of pricing, Ruby Port is often more affordable than other styles of Port wine. This makes it a popular choice for everyday drinking or as an ingredient in cocktails and desserts. Some well-known producers of Ruby Port include Taylor Fladgate, Graham’s, and Dow’s.

Tawny Port

Tawny Port is a style of Port wine that is known for its nutty and caramel flavors. Unlike Ruby Port, Tawny Port is aged for a longer period of time in smaller oak barrels. This extended aging process allows the wine to develop complex flavors and aromas, such as dried fruits, nuts, and spices.
Tawny Port gets its name from its tawny, or amber, color. This color comes from the oxidation process that occurs during aging in oak barrels. The longer the wine is aged, the more pronounced the nutty and caramel flavors become. Tawny Port is often classified by age, with designations such as 10-year-old, 20-year-old, and 30-year-old indicating the average age of the wines in the blend.
In terms of pricing, Tawny Port is typically more expensive than Ruby Port due to the longer aging process and the higher quality of grapes used in production. Some well-known producers of Tawny Port include Sandeman, Fonseca, and Warre’s.

Vintage Port

Vintage Port is considered the pinnacle of Port wine production. It is made from grapes harvested in a single exceptional vintage year and aged in the bottle for a minimum of two years before release. Vintage Port is known for its intense flavors, high tannins, and long aging potential.
One of the key characteristics of Vintage Port is its ability to improve with age. The wine is typically aged in the bottle for several decades before it reaches its peak drinking window. Vintage Port is often decanted before serving to remove any sediment that may have formed during aging.
Vintage Port is the most expensive style of Port wine, with prices ranging from $50 to several hundred dollars per bottle. Some of the most prestigious producers of Vintage Port include Quinta do Noval, Graham’s, and Cockburn’s.
In conclusion, Ruby Tawny and Vintage Port are three distinct styles of Port wine, each with its own unique characteristics and aging potential. Ruby Port is known for its vibrant fruit flavors and affordable pricing, Tawny Port for its nutty and caramel notes and extended aging process, and Vintage Port for its intense flavors and long-term aging potential. Whether you prefer a fruity and youthful Ruby Port, a nutty and complex Tawny Port, or a bold and age-worthy Vintage Port, there is a style of Port wine to suit every palate and occasion.