When it comes to sweetness, there is a distinct difference between sherry and port. Sherry tends to be drier in nature, while port is known for its richer, sweeter profile. Now, let’s dive deeper into the characteristics of each wine to understand why this is the case.
Sherry is a fortified wine that originates from the Sherry Triangle region in Spain. It is made primarily from white grapes, such as Palomino, and goes through a unique aging process called the solera system. This aging process involves blending wines from different years, resulting in a consistent and complex flavor profile.
Typically, sherry is fortified with grape spirit after the fermentation process is complete, which prevents further sugar conversion and leaves it with a drier taste. The dryness of sherry is further enhanced by the fact that the grapes used for its production are picked at a relatively low sugar level.
On the other hand, port wine is a fortified wine that hails from the Douro Valley in Portugal. It is made predominantly from red grape varieties like Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, and Touriga Franca. Port wine goes through a unique fermentation process where brandy is added halfway through, halting the fermentation and preserving a higher level of natural sugars.
The addition of brandy to port wine not only increases its alcohol content but also retains some of the grape’s natural sweetness. This fortification process results in a richer, sweeter, and heavier texture compared to other wines. The residual sugars in port wine give it a luscious and dessert-like quality, making it a popular choice for after-dinner enjoyment.
To summarize, while sherry is known for its dryness, port wine stands out for its sweetness. The fortification process of port, which halts fermentation and retains natural sugars, contributes to its sweeter profile. Sherry, on the other hand, is fortified after fermentation, resulting in a drier taste. These differences in production methods and fortification timing lead to distinct flavor profiles for each wine.
It’s worth noting that within both sherry and port categories, there are various styles and levels of sweetness available. From bone-dry Fino and Manzanilla sherries to sweet Pedro Ximénez sherries, and from dry white ports to lusciously sweet Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) or Vintage Ports, there is a wide range of options to explore within each category.
If you have a preference for sweeter wines, you are more likely to find satisfaction in a glass of port rather than sherry. However, both sherry and port offer a diverse range of flavors and styles, so I encourage you to explore and experiment to find the one that suits your palate best. Cheers!