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When I mention the word “port,” people often grimace.  “Too sweet” they say.  “Tastes like cough syrup.  Makes me feel sick.”  Even the greenest wine drinkers suddenly become too hardcore for this age-old variety.

Often, people are dismissive of port, and won’t explore different vintages before giving it the axe.  But surprise, folks!  If your port tastes like cough syrup, you’re drinking the wrong kind.

That said, I would like to share with you something really terrific: Terra d’Oro Zinfandel Port.  It is part of a limited collection of specialty wines produced by Montevina Vineyards in Sierra Nevada’s Amador County.

T E R R A   D’ O R O   Z I N F A N D E L   P O R T

This deep purple port is surprisingly light on the tongue.  The most dominant aromatic tones are: candied orange peel, vanilla, cocoa, and rum raisin.  Very festive, but definitely bright enough to be enjoyed year round.

When you first take a sip, it hits the mid-back of your tongue, jolts the taste buds there, and then literally pushes forward onto the rest of your palate.  It takes about half a second to spread out all over the front.  As it does this, you will notice how smoothly it transfers and how increasingly sweet it becomes.  The taste and smell of juicy, plump raisins will flood your senses.

This is my go-to port, literally bought by the case.  My parents love receiving it, and I find it ideal for drinking, entertaining, and cooking (more on that later).

You can purchase Terra d’Oro Zinfandel Port at Cost Plus World Market, BevMo!, and many specialty wine shops.  You can also buy it directly from the Terra d’Oro’s store by clicking here.  A 750 ml bottle will run you about $24 dollars, though I have seen it sold for as low as $15 dollars.

*18.5% by volume
*Click here to visit Montevina Vineyards online, and here to learn more about Terra d’Oro