Warre’s Port is one of the most well-known and respected brands in the world of port wine. It has a rich history, a commitment to quality, and a reputation for producing some of the finest ports available. In this article, we will explore the history of Warre’s Port, its alcohol percentage, the various types of port offered, pricing, and how to best enjoy this exceptional beverage.
Warre’s Port History
Warre’s Port has an esteemed legacy that dates back over 300 years. The story of Warre’s begins in 1670, when brothers John and William Warre, originally from England, established the company in Portugal. Their venture was among the first to sell port wines, and their contribution was key in cementing the international reputation of port wine.
Here’s an overview of the key moments in Warre’s rich history:
1670 – The Founding of Warre’s: John and William Warre began their port wine business in Portugal, setting up their operations in the Douro Valley, which is famous for its ideal climate and soil conditions for growing port grapes.
19th Century – Expansion and Innovation: During the 19th century, Warre’s expanded its reach internationally, establishing a strong market for port in both England and beyond. Warre’s became known for its attention to detail and craftsmanship, creating high-quality ports that garnered accolades and popularity.
1860s – The Warre Family Legacy: The Warre family continued to run the company for many years, with each generation ensuring that the traditions of quality and care were passed down. Their legacy was synonymous with both reliability and excellence in the port wine industry.
20th Century – Transition and Growth: By the 20th century, Warre’s went through some changes in ownership, but its reputation remained strong. The company eventually merged with another prominent port producer, the Symington family, who are still involved in the business today.
Today – A Legacy of Excellence: Warre’s remains a family-owned business with a strong commitment to sustainability, quality, and innovation. It is recognized as one of the finest port producers, and its rich history continues to influence its practices today.
Warre’s Port Alcohol Percentage
The alcohol content of Warre’s Port can vary depending on the style and aging process, but generally, port wines have a higher alcohol percentage than regular wines. The process of fortification, in which brandy is added to the wine to stop fermentation and retain the natural sugars, results in a higher alcohol content.
Here are some key details about the alcohol percentage in Warre’s Port:
Standard Alcohol Content: Warre’s Ports typically have an alcohol content between 19% and 21% ABV (Alcohol by Volume), which is standard for most port wines. This is much higher than regular red or white wines, which usually have an alcohol content of 12% to 15%.
Fortification Process: The process of fortifying the wine with grape spirits (aguardente) is what boosts the alcohol content. This process also preserves the sweetness of the port, making it a distinctive feature of the style.
Types of Ports and Their Alcohol Content: Different types of Warre’s Port can have slight variations in alcohol content depending on the style. For instance:
- Warre’s Late Bottled Vintage (LBV): Around 20% ABV.
- Warre’s 10 Year Old Tawny: Around 20% ABV.
- Warre’s Vintage Port: Generally around 20% to 21% ABV.
Consistency Across the Range: Despite slight variations, Warre’s Ports consistently remain on the higher end of the alcohol spectrum, a defining trait of the port wine style.
Warre’s Port Types
Warre’s Port offers a variety of styles, each with its own unique characteristics and aging processes. The diversity of Warre’s offerings ensures that there is a port wine suitable for every palate and occasion. Below, we explore the different types of Warre’s Port:
1. Warre’s Vintage Port
Description: Warre’s Vintage Ports are made from grapes harvested in a single exceptional year, and they are considered the pinnacle of port wine. These wines are aged for a short period in casks before being bottled to continue aging.
Characteristics: Full-bodied, rich in flavor, with dark fruit, spice, and complex tannins. They age well and improve over time.
Aging: Typically requires several decades to reach its peak. Can be enjoyed after 15–20 years but will evolve and improve with time.
Serving: Best served at room temperature after decanting.
2. Warre’s Late Bottled Vintage (LBV)
Description: Late Bottled Vintage Ports come from a single year, but they are aged in casks for a longer period (typically 4–6 years) before bottling. This style is meant to be consumed younger than a traditional vintage port.
Characteristics: Rich and full-bodied, with notes of blackberries, plums, and chocolate. It offers the intensity of a vintage port but is ready to drink immediately.
Aging: No need for extended aging; can be enjoyed soon after purchase.
Serving: Best served slightly chilled and decanted, though it can be enjoyed without decanting.
3. Warre’s Tawny Port
Description: Tawny Ports are aged in wooden casks for longer periods, allowing the wine to oxidize and take on a lighter, more mellow character. Warre’s offers 10, 20, 30, and 40-year-old Tawny Ports, with the age indicating the average age of the wine in the bottle.
Characteristics: Nutty, dried fruit flavors, with hints of caramel, toffee, and spices. The aging process results in a smoother, more rounded flavor profile.
Aging: The longer the aging, the more complex and nuanced the flavor becomes.
Serving: Serve chilled, ideally between 12°C–16°C.
4. Warre’s White Port
Description: A lesser-known but refreshing style, Warre’s White Port is made from white grapes and is often enjoyed as an aperitif or in cocktails.
Characteristics: Crisp and aromatic with flavors of citrus, almond, and floral notes. It can be sweet or dry, depending on the style.
Aging: Typically not aged for as long as Tawny or Vintage Ports but still benefits from some cask aging.
Serving: Served chilled as an aperitif or in a mixed drink.
5. Warre’s Crusted Port
Description: A blend of different years, Crusted Ports are similar to Vintage Ports but are bottled unfiltered, allowing them to develop a natural “crust” (sediment) over time.
Characteristics: Full-bodied with dark fruit, chocolate, and spice flavors. It shares many characteristics with a traditional Vintage Port but is slightly more approachable in its youth.
Aging: Benefits from aging in the bottle and can develop complexity over several years.
Serving: Decant before serving.
Warre’s Port Price
Warre’s Port wines are available at various price points, depending on the type and age of the port. Here is a general overview of the price range for Warre’s Ports:
1. Warre’s Vintage Port
Price Range: Generally between $60 to $150 per bottle, though older vintages or more prestigious years (such as 1994 or 2000) can cost several hundred dollars or more.
Factors Influencing Price: The rarity of a particular vintage, the aging process, and the reputation of the year all contribute to the pricing.
2. Warre’s Late Bottled Vintage (LBV)
Price Range: Typically between $20 and $40 per bottle.
Factors Influencing Price: The price of LBV Ports is lower because they are aged for a shorter period, making them more accessible than a Vintage Port.
3. Warre’s Tawny Port
Price Range: Warre’s 10-Year-Old Tawny starts at around $25 per bottle, while older aged Tawny Ports like the 20-Year-Old can range from $50 to $80. The 30- and 40-year-old Tawnies can exceed $100 or more.
Factors Influencing Price: The longer the aging period, the more expensive the Tawny Port becomes due to the time and care invested in its production.
4. Warre’s White Port
Price Range: White Ports are generally priced between $20 and $35 per bottle.
Factors Influencing Price: The price varies based on the sweetness level and the age of the port.
5. Warre’s Crusted Port
Price Range: Crusted Ports typically fall in the $30 to $50 range.
Factors Influencing Price: The price is often more affordable than a Vintage Port, but it still represents a high-quality product that requires careful aging.
How to Enjoy Warre’s Port
There are many ways to enjoy Warre’s Port, whether you are savoring it on its own or pairing it with food. Here are some tips to enhance your port-drinking experience:
Serving Temperature:
- Tawny Ports: Serve chilled, ideally between 12°C–16°C.
- Vintage Ports: Best served at room temperature, around 18°C–20°C.
- LBV Ports: Serve slightly chilled, around 15°C–18°C.
Decanting:
- Vintage Ports and Crusted Ports should be decanted to remove any sediment and allow the wine to breathe, enhancing its flavor.
- LBV Ports can sometimes be enjoyed without decanting, but decanting can enhance their aromas.
Food Pairing:
- Tawny Port: Pairs wonderfully with nuts, cheeses like blue cheese or aged cheddar, and desserts such as crème brûlée or nut-based cakes.
- Vintage Port: Best enjoyed with rich, hearty foods like steak, chocolate, or strong cheeses.
- LBV Port: Pairs well with chocolate, berry desserts, or roasted meats.
- White Port: Excellent with seafood, olives, or citrus-based dishes.
In Cocktails: White Port can also be enjoyed in cocktails, such as the classic “Port and Tonic”—a refreshing mix of white port, tonic water, and a slice of lemon or lime.
Storing: Ports should be stored in a cool, dark place. While Vintage Ports benefit from long-term aging, other styles like LBV and Tawny Port are ready to drink soon after purchase, though they can still be kept for several years.
Conclusion
Warre’s Port continues to be a beacon of quality in the world of fortified wines, offering a range of styles that suit all occasions and palates. With a history spanning over 300 years, Warre’s remains committed to producing exceptional wines that reflect the legacy and traditions of the Douro Valley.
Whether you are a novice looking to explore the world of port or a seasoned connoisseur seeking the best in premium ports, Warre’s has something to offer. From the richness of their Vintage Ports to the smoothness of their Tawny and LBV offerings, there’s no wrong way to enjoy Warre’s Port.
You Might Be Interested In:
