Charlee – a Ruby Port-Like Wine?

Not so long ago, we introduced a Port-Like Wine made with peaches. Pulaski Pure Peach is a now an annual favorite during the wonderful Peach Season. Adding to the Port-Like Wine List we are delighted to debut Charlee! Named for granddaughter Charlee, this is a sweet and delightful blueberry port-like wine.

Port and Port-Like Wines are special. They are known for being rich, sweet and are often an “after dinner” or dessert wine.  While official Port Wines must come from Portugal, Port-Like Wines share the characteristics of their European namesake.

There are two main categories of Ports with the first being a berry or fruit base with some chocolate and the second being a tawny port that leans to caramel and nuts.

The colors of Port Wines reveal their ingredients:

• White Ports (made usually with grapes), best served cold at 40° F.
• Rosé Ports (made often with Strawberry, Raspberry, Cranberry and Caramel) best served over ice.
• Tawny Ports (made with Caramel, Raspberry, Hazelnut, Cinnamon, Clove, Fig) best served at 50° F or cool.
• Ruby Ports (made with Blackberry, Blueberry, Raspberry, Cinnamon, Chocolate) best served slightly cool at 60° F.

Port Wines also have special wine glasses. They are smaller than other glasses, holding about 3 oz servings. Both the sweetness of the wine and the fact that it is generally a higher alcohol percentage means that smaller portions are in order.

Chefs love Port Wines. They make terrific toppings for all sorts of dishes, frequently substituted for a balsamic glaze topping. Port Wines reduce easily and can be a recipe substitute for brown sugar or maple syrup.

Port Wines are a kitchen staple and a wine cellar option. They are designed to age well over very long periods of time. Those bottles with long corks can age for 100 years, although we hope you will enjoy your bottle and come back for more. Once opened, a Port Wine sealed with a vacuum style wine cork will keep for 2 weeks.