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Cheers…The Perfect Summer Drink from Portugal: Port Tonic

July 1, 2021 By International Lodging Corporation

Anyone who has ever visited Portugal is sure to have come across a drink that is a favorite with locals called the Porto Tónico (Port Tonic). It is a ubiquitous aperitif in Portugal, much like the Aperol Spritz in Italy. This popular cocktail is made with white port wine (yes, there is such a thing) and tonic, which creates a light and refreshing drink that is the perfect summer beverage. After you try your first Port Tonic you will wish you had discovered it sooner.

Many are not familiar with white port wines, as they are made in small quantities by around 30 producers in the Douro Valley, so they are not widely exported. But the good news is that they can now be found in some local wine shops and online vendors are starting to offer a selection as well. White ports are made from the same grapes used to make dry white wines, and like their red counterparts they are fortified with brandy to stop fermentation.

White ports are best served chilled. They are an excellent aperitif, or can be combined with tonic to create the perfect summer cocktail.

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 oz White Port (a dry white port works best)
  • 3 oz Tonic
  • Lemon slice (orange works well also)
  • Ice

Directions: Fill a wine glass with ice. Add the white port and the tonic to the glass and gently stir together. Garnish with a slice of lemon or orange and enjoy! It’s that simple. To make a pitcher of Port Tonics maintain the ratio of 1 part Port to 2 parts Tonic and you will be all set.

For assistance with your travel plans, including hotel and private tour reservations, click here.

Filed Under: Drinks, Food Related, Portugal Tagged With: Drinks, Porto, Portugal

Cheers…History of Port Wine

December 11, 2013 By International Lodging Corporation

Port is a fortified wine produced in the Douro Valley in northern Portugal. It takes its name from the city of Porto, which is located at the mouth of the Rio Douro, or River of Gold. Port is typically a sweet red wine, however there are semi-dry and white varieties, too.

It came about somewhat by accident in the late 17th century, when the British began shipping thousands of casks of wine from the Douro valley to Britain. In order to endure the long journey, the wine was fortified with brandy to stop the fermentation process, thus producing a naturally sweet wine that traveled well.

No visit to Porto would be complete without a tour of one or more of the port wine lodges. Cross the river to Vila Nova de Gaia where you will find many lodges, and a number of them are open to the public.  Enjoy the tastings, learn how port is made and stored, and finish off the visit with a fine meal at one of the lodges.

Here are a few lodges you may want to visit – click on the name to visit their website:

  • Sandeman
  • Taylor’s
  • Graham’s Port
  • Quinta do Noval
  • Cockburn’s Port
  • Calem

For more information on the port wine lodges, click here to visit the website of the Association of Port Wine Companies (AEVP).

Book a private tour! You may want to consider booking a private tour with an English-speaking guide. Your personal guide can provide you with information on the city and its historic sites. For more information, click here.

Photo credit: Jon Sullivan

For assistance with your travel plans, including hotel and private tour reservations, click here.

Filed Under: Announcements, Food Related, Portugal, Wine Related Tagged With: Cheers - Portugal, Drinks, Porto, Portugal, Wine Related - Portugal

Cheers…Portugal’s Other Wine: Vinho Verde

July 22, 2011 By International Lodging Corporation

Most people are familiar with Port wine, the fortified wine named after Portugal’s second largest city. But there is also another uniquely Portuguese wine produced in the Minho region called vinho verde, which literally means “green wine.” The name “green” refers to the freshness of the wine, and not to the color, as the grapes are picked late and it is intended to be drunk within a year of bottling.

Vinhos verdes are light and fresh, have a lower alcohol content, and are a little bit fizzy. There are both red and white varieties; the reds are deep red in color and tannic, and the whites are lemon or straw colored, with fruity and floral aromas.

Vinhos verdes are served chilled, and go well with citrus-inspired foods and seafood. They are a perfect summer wine.

A few Minho region vineyards – click on name for their website:

  • Casa de Vila Verde
  • Aveleda
  • Borges Wines
  • Quinta do Tamariz
  • Quinta do Ameal
  • Quinta de Gomariz

Photo credit: Comissão de Viticultura da Região dos Vinhos Verdes

For assistance with your travel plans, including hotel and private tour reservations, click here.

Filed Under: Food Related, Wine Related Tagged With: Cheers - Portugal, Drinks, Portugal, Wine Related - Portugal

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