Who Is Tim?
My name is Tim Brinkmann and while I'd prefer to answer your questions in person at my store, you will always have 24-hour access to my wine and spirits knowledge on my Ask Tim page. My background and my passion both lie in the wine and spirits industry, with over 10 years experience as a spirits wholesaler and 9 years in fine wine distribution. I opened Brinkmann's Wine & Spirits because I love to discover new wines and spirits and I have a great appreciation for the evolution, growth, and maturity of existing brands. Please come visit me in the store so we can talk shop, or feel free to interact with me here. Just remember: Good, Better... Brinkmann's!

Updated December 8, 2010

Cyndi A. asks Tim –

Tim,

For the holidays, I've decided to include a Port wine at my dinner table for a change.
Trouble is, I am clueless as to what Port is and which ones to pick. I'd appreciate any help
in this department.

Thanks!

Cyndi A.

Tim responds –

Dear Cyndi,

Port wine is a great idea to serve during the Christmas holiday. It has a thicker consistency than your typical bottle of wine and goes great with desserts. Here's a quick Port 101 lesson: Port is made from a variety of grapes cultivated in northern Portugal. At a specific time in the fermentation process, the wine is transferred to vats where local brandy is added. The brandy serves to halt the fermentation process, as well as ensure that some of the grape sugar is retained (hence the intense sweetness in most Ports). Port divides quickly into two different wines: Vintage ports and wood ports. Wood ports are the more popular and recognizable wines. Examples are: Ruby, Tawny and White. These wines spend their lives in wooden casks and once they reach the bottle, they are ready for drinking. Some of my favorite ports are Meyer Family Port ($35.99), Pocas 20 Year Old Tawny ($59.99) and the Granddaddy of them all: Graham's vintage Port 2003 ($109.99). Enjoy the holidays and stay warm.

 

Cheers! Tim Brinkmann