Bottling Port

[Lynn1]

I need some advise re: bottling Port. In the instructions that comes with all RJS Kit. Under the bottling part for this Port ( CSS Orange Choc )is states to used the small 375 ml. As you know it is only a 3 gal kit. Can someone Please explain why I should use the small bottles? If it were you, what would you do?? Thanks Lynn

 

[ibglowin]

Because Port is an after dinner sipping drink (19% ABV usually). A 375ml bottle should suffice for an evening apre's dinner drink for 4. This way you will not have a half bottle left over that you will have to drink up or dump should it go bad.

 

[Lynn1]

That makes sense. I don't drink much Port, this batch is for our son.
So I guess I will use the 375 mi. How long should I let it lay in the bottle before its good to go? by the way Mike, I finally got through all the DR.
stuff and the wine is now flowing after a 6 mo leave. Thanks for your info
Lynn

 

[ibglowin]

Great to hear!

As for port, thats one of those that just gets better and better with age, lay it down as long as you possibly can, a year at least, 2 years if you can! Some commercial ports are not sold until they are 10 years old!

 

[Goodfella]

Nothing better then a dusty bottle of Port!!!! IMO

 

[Waldo]

If you are going to let it age for 2 years or more be sure and use good quality corks

 

[Wade E]

The other reason is because Ports and dessert wines are very sweet so drinking a whole bottle (750 ml)is usually not going to happen unless you have a few people over for dinner.

 

[vcasey]

It really makes no difference what size bottle you use. I use both the 375s and the 750s. Ask him what he wants or bottle some in both. Your son is going to enjoy this port we just took a few bottles of the Orange Chocolate Port to a reunion - it was a hit.

 

[uavwmn]

Goodfella, Yup, all my bottles of wine and port have dust on them in the wine racks. Gives the illusion of really old aged wine.

 

[Bartman]

And is an excellent excuse for having forgotten to vacuum/dust in there!

 

[Goodfella]

Amen