Terra d’Oro Zinfandel Port is indeed a sweet wine. As a winemaker, I have had the pleasure of working with these grapes during harvest, and I can assure you that the sugar levels in the grapes rise significantly during this time. This is because the grapes are left on the vine for an extended period, allowing them to fully ripen and develop their natural sugars.
The acidity levels in the grapes, on the other hand, slowly decrease over time. This is important because it helps to balance out the sweetness of the wine. A wine that is too sweet without enough acidity can taste cloying and unbalanced. By allowing the acid levels to fall gradually, we are able to create a sumptuous and well-balanced sweet wine.
When it comes to describing the taste of Terra d’Oro Zinfandel Port, I would say it is rich and luscious, with flavors of ripe berries and dark fruits. It has a velvety smooth texture and a long, lingering finish. The sweetness is definitely present, but it is not overpowering. It is more like a dessert wine, to be enjoyed after a meal or as a special treat.
I remember one particular harvest when we were picking the Zinfandel grapes for the Port. The grapes were so ripe and juicy, bursting with flavor. As we tasted the juice straight from the press, we could already sense the sweetness and depth of the wine it would become.
It is important to note that Terra d’Oro Zinfandel Port is not the same as a traditional Port wine from Portugal. While both are sweet, Port wines from Portugal are typically made from a blend of grape varieties, including Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, and others. Terra d’Oro Zinfandel Port, on the other hand, is made exclusively from Zinfandel grapes.
Terra d’Oro Zinfandel Port is a sweet wine with rich flavors and a velvety smooth texture. It is the result of allowing the grapes’ sugar levels to rise and the acid levels to slowly fall during harvest. It is a perfect wine for those who enjoy a sweet treat after a meal or as a special indulgence.