Porto Messias is an Excellent Port

Wines of Portugal

We’ve come to the final installment in our Wines of Portugal series. And really, it’s just as if we’ve been enjoying a five-course meal. So, we’ve come to the final course: port. 

Forget about the different types of port. Let’s talk about a truly drinkable dessert wine, the Ana Urbano Porto Messias 10 Anos Tawny Port. This fortified wine is a combination of five different varietals, including Touriga Nacional, all from the Demarcada do Douro region, with its schist rich soil and rich landscapes. The area is classified as World Heritage by UNESCO. Brandy is introduced during the fermentation process and the wine has a beautiful tawny color. Tawnies tend to have loads of flavor, without being overpowering and so they pair up nicely with a variety of puddings. The Porto Messias is no exception.

Port is a wine meant to be sipped and this one is no exception. This port is luscious and rich, yet complex with nice dried fruit notes and so, it would go with cheeses and cut nicely through deep, dark chocolates and fruity tarts. Have a good shot of espresso after enjoying port, and you’ve got the perfect flavor combination. 

Expect to pay about $20 per bottle — well worth the price. This really is an excellent bottle.