Port and the Douro

Written in an authoritative but entertaining manner by Port expert Richard Mayson, the third edition of Port and the Douro offers unparalleled insight into the world of Port and Douro wines. From the history of the wine trade in Portugal (the grape is thought to have been brought there by the Phoenicians) to the present day, this wonderful book offers the reader the inside story of these magnificent wines. The new edition includes a great deal of new information on the cultivation of the Douro's vineyards. An entire chapter is dedicated to vintage Port to include harvests as recent as 2011 and information on vintages back to 1844. Vintages have been reappraised to bring them up-to-date. The structure of the trade has also changed in recent years with withdrawal of the multinationals and the sale and amalgamation of a number of famous Port firms. These are included in the comprehensive directory of Port Producers and Shippers. A new postscript addresses some of the challenges and changes that might affect Port and the Douro in future. This completely updated edition of Port and the Douro provides a comprehensive study of port and its production, making it an indispensable reference guide to the world's greatest fortified wine.