4. Port types
over-wintering in the Douro
The onset of winter transforms the Douro into a cold, soulless place. A thick blanket of
icy fog sometimes hangs over the valley for weeks, blotting out the sun. Houses remain
shuttered up and in the armazém the young wines seem to shut down in sympathy. As the
heady aromas of the vintage fade, even the finest of Ports can seem to be something of a
disappointment during the winter months. All Port wines spend their first winter in the
Douro, during which time they ‘fall bright’ as minute yeast cells, grape solids and tartrates
settle to the bottom of the vat, helped by the cold weather. Left in the wine, this sediment
will absorb colour and could stimulate the growth of harmful bacteria.