Biltmore becomes a “Port authority”

With Ventágeo Red Dessert Wine, Biltmore first became a “port authority” in 2016. Learn more about the process, including the origin of Port wines.

The origin of Port wines

Port wines originated in Portugal, and the name reflects the protected designation of origin.

As the name suggests, Porto or Port originated in Portugal—a country with a long grape-growing and wine-producing history. Port is a type of fortified wine, similar in some respects to sherry, Madeira, Marsala, or vermouth.

While most fortified wines are created by adding some type of distilled spirit (such as brandy) after fermentation, distilled spirit is added to Port wines during fermentation, which effectively kills the actively fermenting yeast. Without yeast to consume it, residual sugar levels in the wine remain high, providing Port with its characteristically sweet flavor.

As with Champagnes and wines of other protected designations of origin, Port can only be labeled such if it originates in the Douro River region of Portugal.

Biltmore becomes a “Port authority”

Creating a port-style red dessert wine was a lengthy process, but the results are delicious!

In 2016, when our winemakers first began the lengthy process of crafting this style of wine at Biltmore, they knew it would have to be labeled “dessert-style,” which is the legal wording for Ports that are not from the Douro region.

They carefully selected varietals from some of the same West Coast vineyard partners who also supply outstanding fruit for many Biltmore wines.

“Although this new port-type wine could not be labeled Port,” said Sharon Fenchak, Executive Winemaker, “it is handcrafted here at Biltmore from a rich blend of red varietals that give it a similar taste profile to the the traditional Portuguese grapes that would be grown in the Douro region.”

Discover Ventágeo and other fine Biltmore wines

“With Ventágeo, we’ve created a wonderful red dessert-style wine that is barrel-aged, deepening the rich notes of nuts and caramel that you’d expect to taste in a mature port,” Sharon said.

The Ventágeo name combines elements of the Portuguese word for wind with the first letters of George Vanderbilt’s name to create a word that suggests voyage and travel.

Ventágeo honors George Vanderbilt’s journeys around the globe and the treasures—including fine wines—he carefully chose for his private estate. Intense, handcrafted flavor featuring rich layers of sun-dried stone fruit drizzled with hints of caramel and ripe berries makes Ventágeo a stunning finish for any meal or special moment.

Discover all our award-winning Biltmore wines in estate shops, online, or close to home with our Wine Finder.