Vineyards and winemaking
Azul Ruby Port combines Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz and Tinta Barroca from the Douro Valley. The vines grow in schist under hot, dry conditions, producing deeply coloured grapes with the ripe fruit and natural structure traditionally sought for Port.
The grapes are destemmed and crushed before a controlled fermentation, which is arrested through fortification with grape spirit to retain natural sweetness. The wine matures for approximately two and a half to three years in vats and 630-litre oak casks, a relatively short period chosen to preserve its youthful ruby colour and generous fruit.
Tasting notes
Appearance
Deep, vivid ruby red with a bright purple tint.
Nose
Ripe blackberry, raspberry and black cherry are lifted by violet, plum preserve and a discreet note of cocoa.
Palate
Rich and full-bodied, with sweet dark berry fruit supported by smooth tannins and warming spirit. Freshness keeps the palate balanced, leading to an uncomplicated, satisfying finish of cherry, bramble and chocolate.
Food pairing
Pair with dark-chocolate torte, blackcurrant cheesecake, plum crumble or a creamy blue cheese. For a simpler finish to dinner, serve it with chocolate truffles or a bowl of ripe berries.
Background story
Ruby Port is defined by its emphasis on youthful fruit rather than the extended oxidative ageing of Tawny. Maturation in large vessels limits exposure to oxygen, allowing the wine to retain its deep colour and direct berry character.
Azul’s version brings together four classic Douro varieties, each contributing perfume, colour, fruit or structure. It offers a straightforward introduction to the richer, fruit-led side of Port and a clear contrast to Azul’s nutty ten-year-old Tawny.
