Any Experienced Port Makers?

[ibglowin]

Ok I see the whole grain spirits (Everclear) vs grape spirits (Brandy, Grappa) debate rearing its head again........

 

[vernsgal]

Ok I see the whole grain spirits (Everclear) vs grape spirits (Brandy, Grappa) debate rearing its head again........

 

[ibglowin]

I don't think a "true" Port has Everclear or any other grain spirit added to it.

It may be a "less diluted" port styled wine.

But not necessarily anything else at least IMHO.

So, one could say that fortifying with Everclear (95% alcohol) is closer (less dilution) to true port than fortifying with Brandy (40% alcohol).

 

[JohnT]

I have fortified adding brandy on a couple of ports, one a little strong!!! Any thoughts on the amount of brandy for a kit sized port??

Check out the sticky on pearson's square.

 

[richmke]

I don't think a "true" Port has Everclear or any other grain spirit added to it.

I presumed that Taylor makes a "true" port:

http://www.taylor.pt/en/what-is-port-wine/how-is-port-made/

They use a mixture of grape varietals to add complexity to the wine.

When about half of the natural sugar of the grape juice has been turned into alcohol by the fermentation, the wine maker gives the signal for the fortification process to start.

They add "brandy". But, not what you would consider "brandy". Brandy, in as much as it is made from grapes, but distilled to a much higher alcohol content, and not aged.

http://www.winespectator.com/webfeature/show/id/49008

Per Taylor, they are using 77% Brandy, or 150 proof. Not the 80 proof brandy typically found in stores.

 

[vacuumpumpman]

I presumed that Taylor makes a "true" port:

http://www.taylor.pt/en/what-is-port-wine/how-is-port-made/

They use a mixture of grape varietals to add complexity to the wine.



They add "brandy". But, not what you would consider "brandy". Brandy, in as much as it is made from grapes, but distilled to a much higher alcohol content, and not aged.

http://www.winespectator.com/webfeature/show/id/49008

Per Taylor, they are using 77% Brandy, or 150 proof. Not the 80 proof brandy typically found in stores.

very interesting articles - Thanks alot for sharing

 

[corinth]

any-experienced-port-makers-

Hi all,
As I read all the threads, I find the whole process very fascinating. I bought some peach brandy and apple Brandy awhile ago while I was watching some movie about moonshiners and they mentioned it. If I were to make a fortified wine, port style wine, what type of grape would the peach brandy or apple Brandy work best in?

I also came across some Everclear and was surprised that it was 151 proof. that seemed odd as I remember not that long ago that it was a higher proof. There was this guy who was buying a lot of it and he said that the alcohol content used to be higher(he is an herbalist-I did not ask what kind of herbs)?

Has the proof of Everclear dropped over the years?
Thank You
Corinth

 

[ibglowin]

No but some states have passed laws that limit the maximum ABV that can be sold.

Has the proof of Everclear dropped over the years?
Thank You
Corinth

 

[richmke]

If I were to make a fortified wine, port style wine, what type of grape would the peach brandy or apple Brandy work best in?

I don't think the brandy is intended to add flavor, but nothing wrong with using flavored brandy.

I also came across some Everclear and was surprised that it was 151 proof. that seemed odd as I remember not that long ago that it was a higher proof.

In Wisconsin, you can still buy 190 proof Everclear. I didn't see any 151 proof for sale.

 

[Thig]

GA still has 190 proof, I use it in my "apple pie moonshine."