Richard Mayson's award-winning Port and the Douro, first published in 1999, has become a classic over the last 20 years. In this comprehensively updated fourth edition he reminds us why Port is a drink that continues to fascinate wine-lovers and win new fans.
The last 45 years, since the end of the dictatorship in 1974, have seen vast transformations in the Port world, from labour-saving technology in field and cellar, to advances in sales reach, especially since Portugal's formal entry into the EU in 1986, and ongoing changes in the way the industry is managed and regulated.
To begin with, Mayson provides a history of Port, from the beginnings of viticulture in Roman times to the present day. The vineyards and their vines as well as the quintas where they are cultivated are thoroughly explored, followed by an explanation of Port production, both traditional and modern. A short introduction to Port types prepares the reader for a detailed assessment of vintages from 1960-2017, some of which have been tasted afresh for this edition; notable vintages (both exceptional and poor) dating back as far as 1844 are also included. The structure of the Port trade remains in flux, and so the chapter on the shippers reflects recent changes in fortune and ownership. Douro wine, which pre-dates its fortified cousin and has seen its revival accelerate over the last 20 years, receives an entire chapter to itself. Finally, for those wishing to visit the region, there are some ideas on what to do and where to stay.
Peppered throughout with anecdotes, potted biographies of those who shaped the industry and insights into quirks of the trade, this extensive and engaging guide to Port is an essential book for any wine enthusiast's library.
Port and the Douro
Description
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements
Preface to the third edition
1. Port and the Douro up to date
2. Vineyards, vines and quintas
3. Making Port: Tradition and technology
4. Port types
5. Vintage Port
6. Port producers and shippers
7. Douro wines
8. Directions in Oporto and the Douro
9. Postscript
Glossary
Appendices
i. Institutions promoting and regulating Port and Douro wine
ii. Port benefício / total production 2001–2011
iii. Port grape varieties
iv. Global sales of Port wine
v. Global share of premium Ports
Index
Maps
Map 1. The north of Portugal and the Douro
Map 2. The Douro, showing prominent quintas
Map 3. The location of Port lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia
Figures
Fig. 1. Contrasting systems of cultivation in Douro vineyards
Fig. 2. Autovinification
Illustrations
Terraces, Cima Corgo
Noble house, Vilariça
Verandah, Quinta do Bomfim
‘Bombs house’, São João de Pesqueira
Octagenarian vine
Harvester’s kitchen, Quinta do Bomfim
Granite chapel, São Salvador do Mundo
Senhora da Ribeira. ‘John Major had lunch here’
Cestos: old and new
Macacos: ‘monkey sticks’
Basket press
Balões … ‘ginas’, ‘mamas’, ‘Lollobrigidas’
Toneis, pipas and balseiros
Fonseca’s room with a view
Ponte D. Luíz and Gaia
Bacalhau
Barco rabelo
One of the world’s great train journeys