Montreal's La Grande Dégustation wine tasting event was back in 2022 October 20-22 at the Grand Quay in Old Montreal. After a two-year stop due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was obvious people were looking forward to the event as organizers announced it being sold out early on the second day. There were more than 280 exhibitors from 25 countries all over the world with more than 1,600 products for tasting, including many exclusivities. I had the opportunity to be working at the the Global International Networks Wines & Spirits agency kiosk. All my life I thought I didn't like Port wine... until I tasted Cabral Port wines. First, there's white Port wine, which is also good to use to make cocktails. The Cabral Branco Fino is worth trying and it's available at the SAQ at $15.75. There is now a rosé Port wine available at the SAQ at $15.75, which is also good to use to make cocktails. Described as "a brand new port Rosé with finesse and modern style", this port is fruity with more particularly notes of strawberries and raspberries.
What I discovered is that it is fun to get into the Tawny Port wines and do an evolving tasting starting with the 10-year and move it up. The Cabral Tawny 10 years is described as "refined and elegant, this port is made from wines aged on average 10 years in casks. It charms with its aromatic profile that evokes orange peel, cocoa, dates and vanilla." It is available at the SAQ at $29.70. The 20-year is available at the SAQ at $54.25 and has stronger hints of caramel, vanilla, white chocolate and nuts vs the 10-year version. I then moved to the Cabral Tawny 30 years available at the SAQ at $94.75. The flavour is described as "very advanced, tawny, with honey, vanilla, nuts and caramel, with strong woody notes. It tastes soft, vigorous, consistent, velvety, soft tannin, very well balanced with a beautifully smooth finish." And the absolute delight is the Cabral Tawny 40 years with its even more intense aromas and flavours of caramel, available at the SAQ at $184.75. Absolutely divine with dark chocolate!
Are you a fan of port wine? What's your favourite?
