Château Julien Port was aged in oak barrels for 10 months and is produced in a traditional Ruby style. This port is bottled young while the port still possesses a deep ruby color and is full of mulberry fruit aromas. It is best when enjoyed quite young to enhance its spicy, fresh vibrant characteristics.
Production Notes
Château Julien Port is produced from grapes grown in Kern and Tulare counties located in Central California. It is a blend of eight different varietals, all of which originated outside of the United States. Tinta Amarella, Tinta Caro, Tinta Madeira, Tinta Roriz and Souza all originated from the Douro River area in Portugal and were some of the original grapes used in producing Porto in the early 13th century. Tinta Roriz and Tinta Cao are considered two of the five finest port varieties in the world. The varietal Toriga originated in Australia, while the robust and deeply colored Trousseau varietal is native to the French wine region “Jura.” Alvarehao is the only white grape varietal used in the Château Julien Port and originated from Portugal. Its thick skins contribute high alcohol, acidity and flavor.
Château Julien Port was aged in oak barrels for 10 months and is produced in a traditional Ruby style. This port is bottled young while the port still possesses a deep ruby color and is full of mulberry fruit aromas. It is best when enjoyed quite young to enhance its spicy, fresh vibrant characteristics.
From Grape to Bottle:
To produce port, grapes are harvested with high sugar levels and fortified with brandy during fermentation to maintain high sugar and alcohol. After crush and before fermentation, the juice is put into a stainless steel tank and “remounted” or pumped over the skins at intervals adjusted according to the grape variety, degree of ripeness and amount of extract desired. This allows extraction of color and tannin needed for good Port, while unharming the stems and seeds of the grapes and preventing any bitter tannins in the wine.
