ThePortForum.com

I have been drinking quite a lot of the Tesco 1994 recently. For those who haven't tried it it is a nice middlin' youngster. The thing about drinking the same wine over and over again is that you can try out different things with it.

I find that I prefer it at a 'straight out of the cellar' temperature. The wine seems more supple and easier to read. Initially I did this for expediency but now for preference. Then I was reading some notes on the Graham eighty-five I wrote in 2006 about how beautiful it tasted when cool. And I hate port in restaurants because it's always too warm.

I realise this is an old chestnut but can someone reassure me that port is better cooler? More the temperature of a good white burgundy would be my measure.

I agree completely.

There is an old adage that Port (and red wine in general) should be served at "room temperature". That saying originated before we had central heating and loft/cavity wall insulation.

When I decant a bottle of Port I normally leave it in the garage (which is used as a utility room) or in the fridge, depending on the time of year.

When your butler pours you a glass of Port and sits you down in your wing-backed leather arm chair in front of a roaring fire it is easy to let it warm up, but far more difficult to let it cool down. Start cold and drink when ready.

LGTrotter wrote: More the temperature of a good white burgundy would be my measure.

Depends what temp you like your white burgundy!

I like richer, more aromatic whites at approx 12 degrees celsius (poured on the cooler side). I think i enjoy ruby ports - and red wines in general - most in the 16 - 18 degree celsius range (again, seeing how the glasses changes as the temp increases before refilling from the cooler bottle).

LGTrotter wrote:The thing about drinking the same wine over and over again is that you can try out different things with it.

I have found Tesco 94 to be quite variable over the years (see e.g.: here) There's even a theory amongst some that altogether different ports have been branded and sold as Tesco 94 at times (see e.g.: here). Whether or not this is true, i tend to find there's a hint of stewed fruit to this port that may make it a particularly good candidate for serving on the cooler side in order to get the best out of it.

RAYC wrote:i tend to find there's a hint of stewed fruit to this port that may make it a particularly good candidate for serving on the cooler side in order to get the best out of it.

I agree.