Statutory Grape: The Soothing Sweetness of Ports
Richard Nespola and Ori Gratch
Issue date: 12/11/07 Section: Reviews
Have you looked around at your classmates lately? They are getting fat, living high on the hog (kosher exceptions permitted since this is a figure of speech), and spending way too much time indoors studying for finals and writing meaningless dribble posing as an ethical discourse on why the subprime mess is a an egregious malfeasance by large lending institutions. Sure, I buy that line of thinking… just as much as I buy the idea that you were fifteen pounds lighter a month and a half ago and you haven't changed your eating habits.
The fact of the matter is, it is getting cold outside, the meals are getting heavier, the exercise level has disappeared into a remote hideout housing DB Cooper, and well… we are just getting plain lazy. But rest assured, there is solace in the lines that follow, and I will certainly put you to ease. Don't worry, John Doe is not going to write 'Sloth' behind your refrigerator in grease (Ori won't either) as you take your last gasps of air, rather we are going to give you more of a cheery perspective on the poundage that you have accrued like a dividend payment.
What I am talking about here is Port - the sumptuous and sugary after dinner drink that soothes the soul and provides a welcome finish to any glutinous meal. For my taste, I prefer Tawny Port of reasonable age. The wood ageing provides a sweet nuttiness to most producer's efforts, some more than others. There is typically a highly extracted note of caramel and multiflora honey mixed with walnut oil, baked apple, and dark cherry compote taste. The texture is silky, coating the mouth in a lasting wash of flavor. Definitely something to be savored.
Port is not simply a product of Portugal, but has gained traction all over the world. In fact some of my favorite tawny ports are from Australia. The thing I like most about Port is that it is the perfect gift at holiday time. There is an outstanding variety of port readily available for sale at a good price - offering spectacular quality and value. The best part about Port as a gift is that it is virtually nonperishable. The wines, typically fortified with brandy, can last for decades without opening, and months once opened. Port is a social lubricant, and a means to finish a great holiday meal in style. Here are some of my favorites, and some that I believe that you will certainly enjoy:
The fact of the matter is, it is getting cold outside, the meals are getting heavier, the exercise level has disappeared into a remote hideout housing DB Cooper, and well… we are just getting plain lazy. But rest assured, there is solace in the lines that follow, and I will certainly put you to ease. Don't worry, John Doe is not going to write 'Sloth' behind your refrigerator in grease (Ori won't either) as you take your last gasps of air, rather we are going to give you more of a cheery perspective on the poundage that you have accrued like a dividend payment.
What I am talking about here is Port - the sumptuous and sugary after dinner drink that soothes the soul and provides a welcome finish to any glutinous meal. For my taste, I prefer Tawny Port of reasonable age. The wood ageing provides a sweet nuttiness to most producer's efforts, some more than others. There is typically a highly extracted note of caramel and multiflora honey mixed with walnut oil, baked apple, and dark cherry compote taste. The texture is silky, coating the mouth in a lasting wash of flavor. Definitely something to be savored.
Port is not simply a product of Portugal, but has gained traction all over the world. In fact some of my favorite tawny ports are from Australia. The thing I like most about Port is that it is the perfect gift at holiday time. There is an outstanding variety of port readily available for sale at a good price - offering spectacular quality and value. The best part about Port as a gift is that it is virtually nonperishable. The wines, typically fortified with brandy, can last for decades without opening, and months once opened. Port is a social lubricant, and a means to finish a great holiday meal in style. Here are some of my favorites, and some that I believe that you will certainly enjoy:
Be the first to comment on this story