Vista Alegre Fine Ruby Port

Flavour Profile/Aroma

Fruity and rich flavours give this port its smooth and full-bodied taste. You’ll also pick up complex mature fruit aromas, developed due to the port’s short period maturing in wood casks.

Recommended food pairings

Complex cheeses can stand up to a full-bodied port. We recommend St James Cheese, which is a unique handmade ewe’s milk cheese that promises savoury and sweet tastes in one, rich mouthful. Ruby-red port is also a classic paired with dried fruits, smoked hams and, of course, rich creamy and chocolatey desserts.

Growing Conditions

Red Blend grapes grown in the Pinhão region in Portugal make Vista Alegre Fine Ruby Port. Like Vista Alegre’s tawny port, it uses a blend of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca and Tinto Cão grapes.

Winemaking notes

Much of the winemaking process is similar to that of Vista Alegre Fine Tawny Port. Firstly, grapes are partially striped and lightly crushed. Then, they’re fermented with skin maceration in a temperature-controlled setting, with brandy added at the perfect time for desired sweetness and maturation. The difference lies in the maturing: Vista Alegre Fine Ruby Port is a blending of selected ruby-coloured red wines, matured in oak casks for an average of three to four years.

About the Winemaker

Vista Alegre Fine Ruby Port is made by Manuel Tavares and José Araújo of the Vallegre Vinhos do Porto SA. This Douro region of Portugal is famed for its excellent port that is created using traditional methods.