Portafortuna XO

Product of: Netherlands

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Port and brandy have been mixed for hundreds of years but Portafortuna XO is thought to be the first bottled blend of an "XO brandy" (40% alc./vol.) and "Vintage Port" (20% alc./vol.) to produce a fortified spirit bottled at 27.5% alc./vol..

Portafortuna is Italian for 'lucky charm' and the name, and then idea to blend port and brandy, came in 2014 when Owen James, the founder, was in Milan and raised a glass to represent a lucky charm in a toast with friends to good luck and fortune. "Portafortuna. Buona fortuna a tutti," meaning Lucky charm. Good luck and fortune to all.

Review and Tasting

Sampled on 22/11/2022

Appearance:

Clear, deep mahogany red.

Aroma:

Vanilla and dark chocolate-infused red wine.

Taste:

More brandy-forward and spirituous than the nose and alc./vol. might lead you to expect. Dark chocolate, subtle vanilla, coffee, cola cube and caramel with red berry fruit and red wine. Tingles with warming black pepper spirituous spice.

Aftertaste:

Black pepper and rich red wine with light tannins and chocolate truffle.

Overall:

The chocolate notes on Portafortuna will appeal to many, as will its convenience. However, it fails to shine when compared to a blend of fairly regular 10-year-old tawny port and a good quality VSOP cognac. Blending your own port and brandy also has the advantage of being made to suit your own palate - some prefer more port, others more brandy. Some may like the richness of a ruby port while others will appreciate the nutty woody maturity of a tawny port.