Port comes in many styles, but Vintage Port sits at the pinnacle -- but it isn't made every year. In this episode, Adrian Bridge of Taylor Fladgate explains what it means to "declare" a Vintage Port, how houses decide whether a year is worthy, and what all this has to do with St. George. You'll also hear how fortification works, the importance of the otherwise "neutral" grape spirit, what separates a classic declaration from Single Quinta and other vintage-dated bottlings, and you'll get a few unexpected food-pairing ideas. If you ever wanted to know how Port wine is made and why it can last for decades, then this is the episode for you. SPOILER ALERT: 2024 is a declared vintage for Port!

Key Topics

• When to drink classic Vintage Port
• Why you'd want to buy a Vintage Port on release, rather than later.
• How the declaration process works.
• What you can expect from 2024 vintage Port.
• Why the declaration is made on St. George's Day.
• What foods you can pair with Vintage Port.

Key Takeaways

• "Declared" means a house has chosen to release a classic Vintage Port from a specific year
• Vintage Port is rare. (~1.5% of total Port production—small volume, highest prestige)
• Vintage Port is built to age. (50–60+ years in good storage)
• Fortification is key to Port's style.
• The declaration decision takes time, and it happens on St. George's Day.

Connect with Adrian Bridge

• Taylor Fladgate website: https://www.taylor.pt/
• Taylor Fladgate Instagram: @taylorsportwine (https://www.instagram.com/taylorsportwine/)

Learn more about wine in general at https://Wine365.com