Quercus Vino

Ottawa, ON

December 2016

Holiday shopping tip:  This may be the most suitable (educational, tasty, and sought after) gift for any wine/Port lover on your shopping list this holiday season.

Matt’s review: Port, the storied fortified wine from Portugal, is loved by many around the world for its rich and refreshing characteristics that are simply perfect when enjoyed after a fine meal in the company of great friends. Like wine, Port comes in many different styles, each with unique characteristics that make them best suited for specific purposes whether that be with main dishes, desserts, or simply enjoying by the fire.

Maynard’s Port Wine Encyclopedia Volume II includes a flight of six different Ports, including a White Port, Ruby Port, 2012 Late Bottled Vintage Port, and 10, 20, and 30 year old Tawny Ports, all beautifully presented in a (hollowed-out) hard cover encyclopedia case that would totally go undiscovered in anyone’s library, or shelf at work…

Rare is it to have six different styles of any beverage to sample in one package, but Maynard’s delivers style and function with this educational and entertaining set of Ports that is by the way totally delicious as you sample your way through six tasty Ports. Complete with encyclopedia-like information on each of the styles, this is a tutored-tasting in a box. Impress your friends, family, or colleagues with your knowledge and lead them on a tasting and sensory journey with this Port Encyclopedia.

Especially unique are the Ports that bookend this flight, from a somewhat rarely seen (in the Canadian market) White Port to the very expensive 30 year old Tawny Port (that’s right, the juice in that bottle is on average 30 years old making is so incredibly nutty, smooth, and complex). The flight of six Ports are packaged in individual glass 60ml bottles that enable a few tasters to sample each, or one lucky taster to taste them a few times over a period of time.

If you’re looking for a great holiday gift for that special wine/Port lover in your life, this may be the best gift you could get, especially for the price and the experience that comes with it. Highly recommended. Tasted December 2016. 95 points. Matt Steeves – http://www.quercusvino.ca

Buy at LCBO this holiday season for $54.95 (on sale for $38.70)