Becka Posted February 26, 2010 Share Posted February 26, 2010 Does anyone know the lifespan of port once it has been decanted? Does the age of the port make any difference to its lifespan? So many questions but if it has a short lifespan I may be forced to have a drink every evening! Becka Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigmommasally Posted February 26, 2010 Share Posted February 26, 2010 I thought there was a well known rule that it is rude to leave the table without drinking all the decanted Port, which therefore makes me think it won't keep well in a decanter. Can you not just decant half the bottle? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlottechicken Posted February 26, 2010 Share Posted February 26, 2010 Not sure how long it is supposed to last in a decanter, but I did think that if the decanter is lead crystal then whatever is in it will absorb some lead? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Becka Posted February 26, 2010 Author Share Posted February 26, 2010 Oh deary, deary me. I think I'm done for on both counts. It's a lead crystal decanter and I had to strain the sediment from the port so I did the whole bottle in one go. It was a 1970's port that was bought on the day I was born and opened on my 40th birthday subsequently it didn't have a proof number on the label and it does taste very potent! Since it's of sentimental value, I don't really want to pour it away but if it has such a short lifespan, there's no way I can get through the amount left... and be left standing! Thanks, Becka Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted February 26, 2010 Share Posted February 26, 2010 OMG - if you have vintage port from the 70s then I can't quite remember the years which were declared but 1977 and 1975 and possibly 1970 spring to mind. Please don't throw it away!!!!! Decanted port deteriorates - perhaps try googling for an accurate timing - but its not going to be either vile or dangerous. If you're really worried decant into a clean other bottle which you can jam a tight cork into/use a vacu-vin (it sucks the air out). I'd be thinking its great for 7 days, OK for a fortnight and passable for a month. Can't you get friends/families/neighbours around for a little port tasting. Its very special. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Becka Posted February 26, 2010 Author Share Posted February 26, 2010 We've all been doing a fair old bit of tasting but you really can't drink much at one sitting! It's been decanted for a fortnight now and I think the taste is changing quite noticeably. What a shame, do you think if I decanted it into a small bottle with very little air space that I might be able to save it a bit longer? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigmommasally Posted February 26, 2010 Share Posted February 26, 2010 Have a looksee on here http://www.thevintageportsite.com/ looks they have a forum so you may be able to post your question on there to get some help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WarrensWorld Posted February 26, 2010 Share Posted February 26, 2010 Becka, lay down and drink it.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Becka Posted February 26, 2010 Author Share Posted February 26, 2010 Thanks for the link to the forum. If I lay down and drink it, I don't think I'd be able to get up for some time, maybe even days! Becka Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura & CTB Posted February 26, 2010 Share Posted February 26, 2010 But you owe it to the port - it will start to deteriorate as soon as it is opened, you have no other choice Shout if you need help Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Becka Posted February 26, 2010 Author Share Posted February 26, 2010 Lead poisoning or alcohol poisoning, what a choice! To think my parents encouraged me to open the bottle, I'm very disappointed with their poor parenting skills! I have tried to fob the port off on visiting friends but surprisingly the uptake has been very low. One friend only wanted to try a teaspoonful! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlottechicken Posted February 26, 2010 Share Posted February 26, 2010 You'll have to start cooking with it then Large port trifle for Sunday tea Maybe get some dried fruit and make a few Christmas puddings ready for this Christmas, or try pears in port, coq au port? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted February 27, 2010 Share Posted February 27, 2010 Oooh Becka, I'll pop round and help you out! I love nice vintage port! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
majorbloodnock Posted February 27, 2010 Share Posted February 27, 2010 Due to the high alcohol and sugar content, the port will remain drinkable for quite long enough to finish it. However, since the nuances of any wine's flavour - what makes it stand out from any other - rely on some of the most volatile substances in it, the longer you leave it the paler will be its shadow of itself when first opened. The simple analogy would be of a fine painting in a smoky pub; sooner or later, everyone would realise the colours had become dulled, but some would recognise it sooner than others, and the realisation would spoil some people's enjoyment of the picture more than others. I'd suggest 4 or 5 days will be the cut-off point after which it'll significantly deteriorate in aroma. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A chickychickychick-ENN!! Posted February 27, 2010 Share Posted February 27, 2010 Three days. http://www.ukwinesonline.co.uk/wp/decanting-port/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted February 27, 2010 Share Posted February 27, 2010 But you don't need to take all of this as absolute gospel - yes, the port will not be as good as it should be, but depending on how long its been opened it won't be awful/sinkworthy. Vintage port is expensive and rare, a real delicacy, so unless you just don't like it (fair enough!) please consider doing something constructive with the leftovers. I can't believe I'm about to recommend this but adding port to gravy (eg meaty or a veggie based one using finely chopped onion/mush) gives a depth of flavour. I wonder if you could then freeze in ice cube trays? Not sure. If you eat meat, then a few swigs in with a pot roast pheasant/partridge/bunny/duck legs or chicken quarters would be good (port and orange?) I'd be investigating port wine jellies as well plus doing a google to see what else comes up. I am busy knitting a straw to reach from me to you in the meantime Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Becka Posted February 27, 2010 Author Share Posted February 27, 2010 Thanks for all your advice. I love port and really don't want to get rid of it by any other means than drinking it. The problem is just the volume I have left and the timescale. Surprisingly, this is not a problem I anticipated! There's only so much port you can drink at one sitting. It must be age catching up with me because I don't think this would've been an issue in our younger days. My husband's practically running away from the decanter claiming that even the smell of it is capable of bringing on a migraine. Light weight! Becka Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted February 27, 2010 Share Posted February 27, 2010 In France (well SW rural France anyway), port is considered a ladies drink And an aperitif Although admittedly I don't think thats the vintage stuff! Do you belong to any clubs - perhaps sharing a small glass after the activity? I'll leave you to enjoy it now Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
