Port and the Douro

Richard Mayson's award-winning Port and the Douro, first published in 1999, has become a classic over the last 25 years. In this comprehensively updated fifth edition he reminds us why Port is a drink that continues to fascinate wine-lovers and win new fans. The book begins with a history of Port, from the beginnings of viticulture in Roman times to the present day. The grape varieties, vineyards and quintas are thoroughly explored, followed by an explanation of Port production, both traditional and modern. An introduction to Port styles prepares the reader for a detailed assessment of Port vintages from 1963 2023, with profiles of the most important declared years back to 1834. There is a chapter profiling the Port shippers, and Douro wine, which continues to grow in importance for the region, is explored in its own chapter. The Douro valley is entering a new period of flux, driven by climate change and the impact it is clearly having on the region. Sustainability has become critical as growers and the industry seek to undo the mistakes of the past in order to make the vineyards and the trade fit for an increasingly unpredictable future. Over the past 50 years, the Port world has undergone a transformation in line with the dramatic socio-economic changes that have taken place in Portugal. Labour-saving technology in field and cellar, advances in sales reach, and ongoing changes in the way the industry was managed and regulated are all considered in this new edition. For those wishing to visit the Douro valley and Oporto, the book concludes with some ideas on what to do and where to stay. Peppered throughout with anecdotes, potted biographies of those who shaped the industry and insights into quirks of the trade, this extensive and engaging guide to Port is an essential book for any wine enthusiast s library.