Certified Sommelier Practice Exam

Which type of port is often seen as a great value based on quality?

1. Aged Tawny Port

2. Single Quinta Port

3. Ruby Port

4. Late Bottled Vintage Port

The correct answer is: Single Quinta Port

The correct choice is Late Bottled Vintage Port, as it is often perceived as providing excellent quality for the price. This style of Port is made from a single year's harvest, typically from high-quality grapes, and is aged in barrel for four to six years before bottling. This extended aging process allows the wine to develop complexity and character while still remaining more affordable than true Vintage Ports, which are only made in the very best years and require significant aging both in barrel and in bottle. In contrast, Aged Tawny Ports, while highly regarded for their nuanced flavors and aromatic profiles, can be quite costly due to the lengthy aging process they undergo. Single Quinta Ports are sourced from a specific vineyard and can offer good value but often do not match the wider appeal or accessibility of Late Bottled Vintage Ports. Ruby Ports are typically more straightforward and fruit-forward, but they don’t offer the same level of complexity and aging potential that Late Bottled Vintage Ports do. Therefore, Late Bottled Vintage Port strikes a balance between quality and affordability, making it appear to be a great value.