Why it matters
The producer
Quinta and Vineyard Bottlers Vinhos SA is an active Portuguese public limited company whose name appears as producer on specific fortified red Ports. The company associated group reports environmentally sustainable methods where possible, with progress in renewable energy, waste management and effluent treatment. Its accreditations include ISO 9001:2015 quality management, BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety, IFS Food and Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
The official address is Rua do Choupêlo 250 in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal. Port is a fortified wine, made by adding spirit during production, which raises the alcohol and can preserve sweetness in the finished wine.
Wines to know
The range in view
The two named bottles occupy different Port categories. Sainsbury's Ruby Port is the Ruby style, while the 2017 M&S Collection Late Bottled Vintage Port carries a vintage year and the Late Bottled Vintage designation. Both are fortified red wines, and their grape varieties differ.
Sainsbury's Ruby Port has fresh plum and damson aromas, followed by peppery spice. Its fruit is sweet and defined, with nutmeg on the finish. The 2017 M&S Collection Late Bottled Vintage Port shows smoky, fiery aguardente notes with strawberry and damson fruit. Aguardente is the spirit used to fortify Port, and here the note is smoky and fiery. The wine is deep and rich.