Pragers Port

Port is not just for special occasions — Its great for holiday toast or for sipping with dinner, and port goes with just about anything, insists port maker Peter Prager. In fact, I was given a list of examples by Pragers representatives see below for more!

As a retro-hip cocktail wine, Pragers Alyssa is a white port made from the Portuguese grape, Verdelho. With sweet anise and creamy apple notes and balanced acidity, it is nonetheless dry, beautiful with oysters on the half shell or sushi, according to Peter. Aria, a white port made from chardonnay, offers caramelized apple flavors and a hazelnut finish, to pair with cheese, foie gras, calamari, crab cakes, even smoked salmon. Its also brilliant with creamy soups like clam chowder or butternut squash and pear bisque.

Aria is a Prager customer favorite. Toms, a lighter red port, works nicely with lighter meats like turkey or ham. Toms is made from traditional Portuguese varietals which the Pragers grow in Napa Valley, then field blend and vinify together in the traditional manner. It is especially good with stuffing made with nuts or dried fruits like cranberries or currants, and with cranberry relish. Peter reveals that Toms goes great with pizza, too! (For traditional oyster stuffing, by the way, its Alyssa Dry White Port, all the way.)

Steak or prime rib lovers will want to uncork Royal Escort, Pragers vintage-style red port, with their meal. This well-structured port offers deep blackberry, plum and cedar notes, along with just enough acidity to stand up to rich, roasted meats. Pumpkin pie or creme brule? Aria! declares Peter. Chocolate decadence? Royal Escort! The Pragers have tried their ports with almost everything, and have found a port for every course of the meal.

And yes, even for after-dinner sipping. That would be Noble Companion, an aged blended port, sometimes referred to as a cigar port. This smooth, nutty port is the favorite of many a Prager lover, with or without the cigar.

The Pragers operate the only port works in Napa Valley. The family affair is almost 30 years old, founded by Jim and Imogene Prager in 1979 and now run by their children.

(photo credit: calliope)

April 12th, 2009 by Beverage Blogger | Posted in Types | (0)