With the bad press about sugar and alcohol, port wine has long gone out of fashion.
And yet, what could be better than ending a meal with a small glass of this elixir that made the English and Dutch famous! The magnificent Douro region, whose vineyards are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, continues to produce superb jewels among which we still find the finest Quebec wines. And the cold season, warming up by the fire, is the best time to enjoy it. Here are the 10 best ports currently available at the SAQ.
drink less Drink better.
Cabral, Reserve Especial Tawny, Porto
Portugal 20% | ★★1⁄2 | $1/2 | $18.95
SAQ code: 625871
The Cabral brand offers high-quality ports at often very attractive prices. Of the full range, the Reserva Especial Tawny is a good synthesis of the Cabral flavor and offers good value for money. A good way to learn about the port as well.
Köpke, Tawny 10 years old, Porto
Portugal 20% | ★★★ | $$$ | $18.85
SAQ code: 13035683
375ml
A tawny that focuses on a light fruitiness. Notes of plum, grass, coffee and liquorice. The palate is flattering, full and energetic. Offered in half a bottle, it’s the ideal format if you’re alone or even better as a couple!
Graham’s, Tawny 10 years old, Port
Portugal 20% | ★★★ | $$$ | $32.50
SAQ code: 12484436
A house known for its refined and gourmet style. It is also one of the juiciest 10 year old tawnys available in the SAQ. Full of fruit with notes of figs and spices. A caress in the nose as in the mouth.
Feist, Colheita 2011, Porto
Portugal 20% | ★★★1/2 | $$$1/2 | $40.50
SAQ code: 734632
A traditional style house specializing in tawnys above all and whose colheitas are always to be bought with your eyes closed. Fiery and wonderfully fragrant, it ends with a long finish of hazelnuts, dried fruits and nutmeg.
Quinta de la Rosa, vintage port 2020, Porto
Portugal 20% | ★★★★ | $$$$$ | $75.50
SAQ code: 13035368
A great lord that can stand the test of time, vintage often requires long maturation (at least 20 years) to fully express itself. However, one can approach that of Quinta de la Rosa with a wonderful baby fat. Juicy, concentrated and elegant, it appears drier than the others. Great wine in the making.
Taylor Fladgate Late Bottled 2017 Vintage
Portugal 20% | ★★★ | $$ | $22.65
SAQ code: 46946
Year after year, the king of vintages offers us an exemplary version of what an “LBV” should be: opulent fruitiness, semi-firm tannins, structure, freshness and tone on the finish. Immediately drinkable, but will keep for several years without any problems.
Taylor Fladgate, Tawny 20 years old, Porto
Portugal 20% | ★★★★ | $$$$$ | $72.25
SAQ code: 149047
As much as Taylor produces great vintages that can age for decades, it offers tawnys of impressive quality. This is also the case with this “20-year-old”, one of the best that SAQ currently offers. Long and penetrating, it is both pleasant and meditative.
Domaine La Tour Vieille, Reserva, Banyuls
France 17% | ★★★1/2 | $$$ | $34.75
SAQ code: 884916
Less sweet and less alcoholic than most port wines, Banyuls is one of the greatest naturally sweet wines alongside the Maury wines. That of the La Tour Vieille winery is characterized by intensity, finesse and length. An excellent substitute for port wine.
Barros, Colheita 2007, Oporto
Portugal 20% | ★★★★ | $$$$ | $47.75
SAQ code: 12243114
Colheitas are often the best options. This Colheita was bottled in 2022 and is therefore 15 years old. Seductive nose of nuts, caramel and dried fruits. Fresh and energetic on the palate. The year 2001 ($39 – SAQ Code 882894 ★★★★ $$$1⁄2) from the same house, also bottled in 2022, is absolutely delicious and cheaper, although available in small quantities.
Ferreira, Dona Antonia Reserve Tawny, Porto,
Portugal 20% | ★★★ | $$ | $21.60
SAQ code: 865311
A house known for the delicacy of its port wines. His cuvée Dona Antonia, a tribute to the woman who shaped the history of the port in the 19th century, is a good introduction. Round and creamy with an acidity that provides balance. The finish is reminiscent of vanilla, tobacco and figs.
Right ★
Good ★★
Very good ★★★
Great ★★★★
Exceptional ★★★★★
More stars than dollars: worth the price
As many stars as dollars: worth the price
Fewer Stars than Dollars: Wine is expensive