Exploring the Rich Legacy of Kopke 1638 Port House with Carla Tiago

 In a recent interview, Carla Tiago, one of the talented winemakers from the historic Kopke 1638 Port House, shared insights into the storied tradition and innovation behind one of Portugal’s most celebrated port houses. Established in 1638, Kopke has pioneered the art of port making, evolving from the early days when port was simply a fortified wine shipped to England to today’s complex and aged offerings. Carla explained the distinct profiles of Kopke’s ports, from the fruity Ruby style to the oak-aged Tawny and the single-vintage Colheitas, which are bottled only upon request, making each bottle a unique expression of the terroir.

Kopke also produces high-quality still wines under the brand Quinta de São Luiz, representing the best of the Douro Valley’s distinct microclimates. The tradition of maintaining family-owned vineyard sources, along with sustainable innovations, has kept Kopke’s wines at the pinnacle of quality.

Carla highlighted exciting projects, including the launch of a unique library collection with rare, century-old ports, a vermouth aged for over 100 years, and a quinine-infused port made to prevent malaria—a fascinating historical nod. With an eye to the future, Kopke seeks to inspire a younger generation, introducing port through modern cocktails and food pairings, demonstrating the versatility of this exceptional wine.

For those interested in exploring Kopke’s range, Carla noted their upcoming online store, Uva Wine Store, and the availability of their ports in select U.S. locations. Kopke continues to bridge the past with the present, inviting wine lovers to discover the rich tapestry of flavors that over 400 years of tradition have preserved.

I hope you enjoy the podcast!

Halloween Candy Pairing: Graham's 10 Year Tawny Port and Snickers

Snickers is one of my all time favorite candy bars. Growing up I would take them from my sister and brother’s Halloween candy because they didn’t eat them. Something about the peanut, chocolate and caramel. Even today, I’ll grab a Snickers at the check-out if I’m hungry. (I know, good eating habits)

When I received an email about a port and candy pairing and saw Snickers on the list, I knew I had to give it a try. I love a good Port after dinner and I love Snicker so they must be made for each other.

Thanks to Michelle at Calhoun & Company for sending me a bottle of Graham’s 10 Year Town Port I then headed to CVS to find me some Snickers. I must live in a candy bubble, because since when are there four different kinds of Snickers. I’m a traditionalist, so I purchased the traditional Snickers and I thought I’d try the Xtreme Snickers. That seemed to have extra peanuts. We’ll see how they both fair on the pairing.

In our house I always would freeze the leftover Halloween candy, so I thought I’d do this pairing with frozen and not frozen candy bars. See how they each hold up with the Port.

About the Port - Graham’s 10 Year Tawny Port is aged in seasoned oak casks two miles from the Atlantic Ocean in Oporto, Portugal. The Port is rich in color with layers of raisin, prune and hints of nuttiness. SRP $36

About Xtreme Snickers - Product launched in 2015. It’s got extra peanuts. However, personally, the extra peanuts overtake the taste of the candy bar. $2.50 bag

About Snickers - Love the caramel and peanuts with the milk chocolate. $2.50 bag.

For the pairing I did a video only my phone for some reason didn’t record the audio, only the video. I did a voice over. The Port cut through the milk chocolate and caramel of the traditional Snickers bar and it became so very creamy and the nuts just blended so well with the Port it was a great pairing. I thought the Xtreme Snickers was to overpowering with the nuts and didn’t give the Port ample playing time on your palate. With the frozen candy, the flavors didn’t stand up to the Port. The candy was to cold and the flavors of the candy just didn’t show up.

What is your favorite Halloween candy pairing?

Croft 2009 Vintage Port

It's not every day I drink a glass of Port. Lately, I've been enjoying it! There is something about winter and Port.  Maybe because my house is always so cold and an evening glass of Port warms me up.

Something to note - when opening a Vintage Port the shelf life is only a couple of days, so one must be thoughtful in the planning.

We recently opened the Croft 2009 Vintage Port. Just look at the picture on the left.  A beautiful color.  Deep purple, luscious and rich.

A little information about Croft Port.  The "House of Croft" was founded 300 years ago and was originally know as Phayre and Bradley.  In 1736 John Croft joined the family.  In 1911 it was acquired by the Gilbeys and is now owned and run by the Yeatman's and Fladgate families.

The grapes that go into this Port come from the famous Quinta da Roeda, owned by Taylor Fladgate & Yeatman and acquired in 1862 by John Fladgate.  In 1875 John Fladgate's daughter married Charles Wright of Croft it passed to the Croft family.  (Need a flow chart for that one)  Quinta da Roeda is one of the best estates in the Douro region.

Now onto the tasting notes.  The Port showed aromas of coffee, blackberry followed by leather and cedar.   The palate was complex with hints of raisin, honey, and fig.  Soft mouth feel with balanced tannins.  The black fruit really showed on the finish.  It was a wonderful Port that I see will age quite nicely.

If you purchase this Port now, purchase 2 bottles. One for now and one to open in about 20+ years.  You won't be sorry.  SRP is around $80

*I received this Port as a sample from the producer.

Passion for Port - Traveling the Douro Valley

There are three primary zones of production in the Douro for Port.  The Baixo Corgo region where Regua produces lighter wines due to the cooler, wetter weather it experiences and represent 45% of Douro's plantings.  As you travel further inland to Cima Corgo, the weather gets a little warmer you will find the town of Pinhao where the vineyards here account for 40% of ports production. Furthest to the east is the hottest and driest zone Douro Superiore which accounts for 15% of Ports production.  The vineyards in this region are among the most highly classified in the world.  There are approximately 90,000 acres planted, owned by 30,000.

You will be introduced to the 5 main grape varieties used in Port.  Touriga National which accounts for just over 2% of the region's vines.  Touriga Franca which accounts for 22% of the vines planted.  Tinta Roriz  also known as Tempranillo accounts for 12% of the regions vines.  Tinta Barroca accounts for 23% of the vines and Tinta Cao which is somewhat rare and accounts for only 1% of the vines.

Your Passion for Port tour begins in Porto as you focus on the historic side of Port.  You will visit famous names as Taylor Fladgate, Grahams and Kopke.  You will take a nice walking tour where you will get your fill of history, cathedrals and an outdoor food market.

The second part of your tour you will travel up the river to Cima Corgo and Douro Superiore.   Here you will visit a variety of wineries that produce both Port and dry wine.  You will receive a great overview of the winemaking in the Douro Valley.

If you are interested in the wines of Portugal this trip is something you would want to consider.  The 5 day trip is from September 16 - 21, 2012.  The cost includes accommodations, 4 dinners, 1 lunch, all wine tasting, walking tour, scenic train ride along the Douro from Pinhao to Vesuvio and river cruise in Oporto.  For more information and detailed itinerary and price click here.