Port wine celebration in Vancouver has chivalrous feel

They didn't get cool swords and armour, but on Monday, members of the B.C. wine trade were "knighted" by the Confraria do Vinho do Porto the Port Wine Brotherhood.

The Brotherhood is a Portuguese organization created for "communicating, promoting and reinforcing the worldwide reputation of Port wine."

They "enthroned" B.C. wine experts at a formal event that celebrated Port wine with discussion about the different styles, wine making trends and food pairing ideas.

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"Port is a classic and powerful wine style that is an ideal drink for a chilly fall evening," On The Coast's Master of Wine Barbara Philip told host Stephen Quinn.

If you're feeling chivalrous enough to sample some Port wine, here are some of Philip's recommendations.

Fonseca. Bin 27 Reserve Port. $21.99

"The Bin 27 is a blend of vintages and spends time mellowing at the winery before release. It has mulberry and other dark fruits with a touch of floral and spice. Open a bottle next time you bake a chocolate dessert."

Graham. Late Bottled Vintage Port. 2009. $23.99

"'LBV' Port uses grapes harvested all in one year and aged for four to six years in barrel before release. It has smooth tannins and rich blackberry, licorice and violet aromas. Try with top quality dark chocolate."

Taylor Fladgate. 10 year old Tawny Port. $37.99

"This tawny Port is made from a blend of vintages that have aged in barrel an average of 10 years. As a result, the wine has yellowed in colour and the fruit flavours have become nutty and spicy. For a simple and elegant dessert, have it with a plate of roasted nuts and dried apricots."

Croft. Vintage Port. 1994. $149.99

"Vintage Port is only made in 'declared' years and comes from the best vineyards available to a Port house. It is only aged a couple of years at the winery so, when it is released, it is still massively tannic and requires years in the bottle to mellow. This 1994 is just coming into its own with bold black fruit, licorice, violet and exotic spice notes. Give it as a birthday gift for someone born in 1994 or drink it with a huge chunk of Stilton cheese!"

With files from CBC Radio One's On The Coast