Graham's

Graham's

Graham's Tawny Port

Graham's is a renowned producer of port wine, a fortified wine from the Douro Valley in northern Portugal. Established in 1820, Graham's has become one of the most prestigious names in the port wine industry, known for its rich, complex, and well-balanced wines. The company is part of the Symington Family Estates, a family-owned business with a long history in the production of port and Madeira wine.

History

Graham's was founded by brothers William and John Graham in the early 19th century. Originally involved in the textile trade, the Graham brothers decided to venture into the port wine business after accepting 27 barrels of port as payment for a debt. Recognizing the potential of the wine trade, they established their own port lodge in Vila Nova de Gaia, where they began aging and blending wines from the Douro Valley.

In 1970, the Symington family, who have been involved in the port trade since the 19th century, acquired Graham's. Under their stewardship, Graham's has continued to thrive, maintaining its reputation for producing high-quality ports.

Vineyards

Graham's sources its grapes from several quintas (vineyards) in the Douro Valley, including the famous Quinta dos Malvedos. The unique terroir of the Douro Valley, with its schistous soils and steep terraced vineyards, provides ideal conditions for growing the indigenous grape varieties used in port production, such as Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Tinta Roriz.

Production

The production of Graham's port involves traditional methods, including foot treading in granite lagares to extract the maximum color and flavor from the grapes. After fermentation, the wine is fortified with a neutral grape spirit, which halts fermentation and preserves the natural sweetness of the wine. The wine is then aged in oak barrels in Graham's cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia.

Styles of Port

Graham's produces a range of port styles, each with its own distinct characteristics:

• Vintage Port: Made from the grapes of a single exceptional year, vintage port is aged in barrels for two to three years before being bottled. It is known for its deep color, intense fruit flavors, and potential for long aging.

• Tawny Port: Aged in oak barrels for extended periods, tawny port develops a nutty, caramelized flavor profile. Graham's Tawny Ports are available in various age designations, such as 10, 20, 30, and 40 years.

• Ruby Port: A young, vibrant style of port, ruby port is aged for a shorter period in large oak vats to preserve its fresh fruit flavors.

• Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) Port: Made from a single vintage, LBV port is aged in barrels for four to six years before bottling, offering a more accessible alternative to vintage port.

Graham's Port Lodge in Vila Nova de Gaia

Graham's Port Lodge

Visitors to Graham's can explore the historic port lodge in Vila Nova de Gaia, where they can learn about the history and production of port wine. The lodge offers guided tours and tastings, providing an opportunity to sample a range of Graham's ports and appreciate the craftsmanship involved in their production.

Related pages

• Port wine
• Douro Valley
• Symington Family Estates
• Vila Nova de Gaia