White Port Wine - Lágrima

Posted on October 19, 2007
Filed Under Now Drinking

When most people think of Port wine they have a romantic vision of sweet wines with deep red or golden tawny colours. The reality is Port wine is quite complex and comes in a variety colours and types - ruby, tawny, white, Lágrima, vintage, LBV, and the list goes on. Port is a fascinating subject with a deep history that not only involves wonderful food, but politics as well. I’ll save that for a later post. White Ports however is an interesting option that doesn’t always get a lot of attention but is quite divers in itself and comes in a number of options from dry to very sweet, and a great accompaniment for all sorts of dried fruits, nuts and desserts.

Now Drinking

“Lágrima or Lácrima de Cristo” meaning “Christ’s Tears” likely got its name due to the way it’s made. At the beginning of the wine making process the grape bunches naturally press each other down with their own weight, crushing the lower ones. When this happens a “first” grape juice is produced, which is extracted before fermentation starts, and turned into Lágrima. This special Port is usually available in dry, medium dry, medium sweet, sweet.

Like most wines each Lágrima has its own individual character the one we’re currently drinking has medium sweetness with, a rich golden colour and warm tropical flavours like caramelized pineapple and honey. This Port will be a great accompaniment to dried fruits and desserts with nuts, also try it with chocolate salami, Port is simply wonderful with chocolate and lets not forget the pasties de nata!

Even though Ports are mostly known as dessert wines, they can also be used nicely as a base for cocktails, most purists would cringe at the thought, but if you have a bottle already open why not give it a try. What’s most important to note about Port, is that once a bottle is opened it should be consumed as quickly as possible. This Lágrima along with most Ports should NOT be shelved more than 4 weeks after opening. Vintage and LBV should be consumed when opened and depending on filtering may need decanting. So, if your looking to enjoy a really great Port -and there are so many to choose from, make certain you have a delicious dessert, or two, or three…and invite some friends to help you finish the bottle, doubtful you’ll get any complaints. Some things are better enjoyed sweet and in good company!

Saude!

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Comments

2 Responses to “White Port Wine - Lágrima”

Pasties de Nata – Portuguese Custards - Recipe on October 25th, 2007 9:41 pm

[...] you have them they are a wonderful addition as an afternoon tea or coffee and can also accompany a nice port or Madeira. They also make for a great breakfast treat or even on their own as dessert, [...]
michal on February 8th, 2008 5:33 pm

well i must say ferreira is the best port ive ever have :)…

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