What I’m Drinking Now: Youth and Fruit in a Bottle

Ports are a wonderful way to wind up a meal, or wind down before bedtime.

And while most wine drinkers understand the difference between the two basic types- tawny and ruby- not everyone knows what an LBV (late bottled vintage) port is or how to choose one.

LBV’s are aged four to six years in barrel, and are often filtered before bottling.  They are meant to be ready for drinking upon release, while regular vintage ports require several years’ bottle aging.  The flavor profile can range from youthful and fruity to mature and wood aged.

My preference is for youth and fruit, so I tend to enjoy the Cockburn’s or Sandeman labels.  Dow’s and Taylor Fladgate are generally a more mature, wood-influenced style.  LBV’s are appealing not just because they’re tasty.  They are also affordable and approachable, thus encouraging experimentation.

Grab a couple of bottles next time you’re out and about, then post a comment and let the rest of us know what you think!

Green is certified by the Court of Master Sommeliers as a Sommelier. She is a member of the wine and spirits team at Pappas Bros. Steakhouse in Dallas and writes about wine and spirits for EscapeHatchDallas.com.