Ramos Pinto Porto Ruby

Ramos Pinto Porto Ruby is produced by Casa Ramos Pinto, founded in 1880, from Touriga Franca and Tinta Barroca grown on the schist terraces of the Douro. The valley's intense summer heat and stony soils drive deep colour and concentrated fruit, and fermentation is stopped early by the addition of grape spirit, retaining natural sugar and pushing the wine to 19.5% alcohol. The young base wines are then assembled and aged for around three years in large wooden vats known as balseiros. Because these vats are big, the ratio of wine to oxygen is low, so the wine keeps its intense ruby colour and youthful fruitiness rather than oxidising towards amber as a Tawny would. The result is a bright ruby port with a vivid rim. The nose is fruity and direct, showing cherry, blackberry and plum with a spicy cinnamon edge. The palate is broad and round, generously fruited and warming, with soft structure and a clean sweet finish. Serve at 14 to 16C in a small glass. It is an easy port for any moment, good with chocolate desserts and after dinner with cheese.