Taylor's Port- The Historical giant amongst all Port wine brands

In the world of fine wine, few names resonate with such historic significance as Taylor's Port. A hallmark of quality and tradition since its establishment in 1692, Taylor's is one of the oldest of the founding Port houses. This esteemed producer has helped shape the Port wine industry with its uncompromising commitment to quality and relentless dedication to preserving the classical art of Port wine production.

A RICH HISTORY

The history of Taylor's is intertwined with the history of Port wine itself. With over three centuries of existence, this distinguished Port house has upheld its values and commitment to producing only the finest Port wines. Taylor's is renowned for its Vintage Ports, crafted from grapes grown on their own properties, a testament to the unwavering focus on quality that has become synonymous with the Taylor's name.

THE ART OF PORT MAKING

The technical details of making Taylor's Port wine are steeped in tradition and precision. The grapes, primarily Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinto Cão, and Tinta Barroca, are cultivated using the traditional 'Patamares' and 'Cordon de Royat' pruning methods. After harvesting, the grapes are foot-trodden in 'lagares', a technique largely unchanged for centuries.

Fermentation is stopped when the must reaches a specific Baume level, usually between 6.5 and 7.5 degrees, by adding a neutral grape spirit, resulting in a wine with the perfect balance of sweetness and structure. The final Port contains a sugar percentage between 90-110 g/l, an alcohol content of around 20%, preserving the richness and complexity of the fruit.

NOTABLE VINTAGES AND GASTRONOMIC PAIRINGS

Over the years, Taylor's has produced a multitude of noteworthy classic vintages that have stood the test of time, with the 1927, 1945, 1963, 1977, and 1994 vintages standing out as some of the best.

Pairing Taylor's Ports with food opens up a world of gastronomic possibilities. A rich, Vintage Port pairs exceptionally well with robust cheeses, while a Taylor's 10 or 20-Year-Old Tawny can complement anything from foie gras to desserts with nuts and caramel.

THE TRADITIONAL PORT TONGS

Opening a bottle of Taylor's vintage Port is a ceremony in itself. A traditional method involves using Port tongs, heated until red hot and then applied to the neck of the bottle. A moist cloth cools the glass, causing a clean break, after which the Port is typically decanted and enjoyed.

THE PORT INDUSTRY

Taylor's sets a high bar for other Port wine producers. The top echelon of Port producers, alongside Taylor's, includes other illustrious names like Graham's, Dow's, and Warre's, each contributing their unique expressions of this storied wine style.

Taylor's Port embodies the grandeur and tradition of Port wine production. From the meticulous cultivation of vines to the ancient method of opening bottles, every aspect of Taylor's Port exudes a timeless elegance, underscoring why this legendary house remains a benchmark in the world of Port wine.

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Prtwine

Being a Portwine lover since 2013 - Owned a successful portwine webstore in The Netherlands & Belgium. Lived in Porto - visited the Douro many times and tasted the most incredible Portwines.

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