How Does Port Age?
Discover the intricate science of how Port wine matures in barrels.
What is LBV Port wine?
LBV stands for Late Bottled Vintage. It’s a type of Port made from a single year’s harvest and aged in oak barrels for 4 to 6 years before bottling. This ageing process gives it richness, smoothness and complexity.
Is LBV Port ready to drink?
Yes. Unlike traditional Vintage Port, LBV Port is bottled when it’s mature and ready to enjoy.
Does LBV Port improve with age?
Most LBV Ports are filtered and intended for immediate enjoyment, so they don’t improve significantly with ageing. However, unfiltered LBV Ports can develop more complexity over 5–10 years if stored properly in a cool, dark place.
Does LBV Port need decanting?
Most modern LBV Ports are filtered before bottling and do not need decanting. However, some unfiltered styles may benefit from it. Always check the label.
What does LBV Port taste like?
Expect bold fruit flavours like blackberry, plum, and dark cherry, often with hints of spice, chocolate and liquorice. It’s full-bodied and smooth, with a long, warming finish.
How long does LBV Port last once opened?
If sealed tightly and stored in a cool, dark place, LBV Port can last up to 2–3 weeks after opening without major flavour loss.
What food pairs well with LBV Port?
LBV Port is ideal with blue cheese, dark chocolate, rich puddings, fruitcake or roasted nuts. It also works well with venison or duck dishes.
How is LBV Port different from Vintage Port?
Both are made from a single vintage, but LBV is aged in barrel longer and released ready to drink. Vintage Port is bottled after just two years and requires long ageing in bottle to reach maturity.