Dalva Ruby Portugal Port Wine 75 cl 19%

The youngest member of the Port family guards its colour like a treasure - deep, dark ruby red, because it is never allowed to meet too much air.

Expert's Description

Dalva Ruby is a Portuguese Ruby Port, bottled at 19%.

Ruby is aged in large vessels of concrete, steel or large oak vats, where minimal air contact preserves the fresh, dark fruit and the deep red colour - unlike Tawny, where contact with small casks is exactly the point.

The wine is a blend of several young vintages of Douro grapes such as Tinta Barroca, Tinta Cão, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca, chosen for their ability to hold onto fruit and colour through the short ageing period.

Dalva is the Port brand of the house C. da Silva, founded in Vila Nova de Gaia in 1933 by Clemente da Silva. Although the house is best known for its Tawny and Colheita styles, Ruby remains a fixed part of the classic range.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Red berry compote of raspberry and wild strawberry, fresh and direct.

Palate

Harmonious and full, with blackcurrant and cherry, nuanced by chocolate and prune.

Finish

Sweet, fruity finish with lingering berry character.

Specifications

Name: Dalva Ruby
Winery: Dalva
Region-Country: Douro, Portugal
Type: Ruby Port
Grape varieties: Tinta Barroca, Tinta Cão, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca
ABV: 19%
Size: 75 CL
Ageing: Steel tank/large oak vats, approx. 2-3 years
EAN no.: 5603003111022
Serving suggestion: Serve at 16-18°C in a Port glass, ideally with dark chocolate or red berries

Flavour Profile

Fruity · Berries · Fresh · Youthful

Did You Know?

While Tawny is deliberately exposed to air in small casks to develop its brown colour, the opposite is done for Ruby - large, near-airtight vessels keep the wine as close to its original, dark colour as possible, resulting in the most berry-driven of the classic Port styles.

See our full range of Dalva

Frequently Asked Questions about Dalva Ruby

What defines a Ruby Port?

Ruby is aged briefly in large, near-airtight vessels, which preserves the dark, fresh colour and the fruity berry character, in contrast to the brown, nutty Tawny.

What does Dalva Ruby taste like?

It offers raspberry and wild strawberry on the nose, with a full, fruity palate of blackcurrant and cherry and a sweet finish.

At what temperature should it be served?

Best around 16-18°C in a Port glass, slightly warmer than a white Port.

What pairs well with Dalva Ruby?

Dark chocolate and red berries are classic companions for Ruby's fresh, fruity style.

How long does an opened bottle keep?

An opened bottle should be drunk within a couple of weeks, as Ruby is more sensitive to air than an older Tawny.

Should Dalva Ruby be decanted?

No, Ruby is filtered and ready to drink straight from the bottle.

What defines Dalva as a Port house?

Dalva, founded in Vila Nova de Gaia in 1933, is best known for Tawny and Colheita, but Ruby remains a fixed part of the classic range.