Port in a Storm

Yeah, it's my one fortified wine pun, but it's also my favorite way to toast to the first and/or largest snowstorms each winter. So when the flakes of this afternoon's nor'easter started falling in earnest, of course I knew what to do: break out the Allegro Forté, wrap myself in a cozy blanket, and sit by the window to watch the cardinals and chickadees darting through the dancing snowflakes.

Even before the first sip, ruby-style ports delight me. Their rich red color and viscosity are notable. Then that sip: decadent raspberry fruit melting away into sweetness on the tongue, with the warmth from the alcohol (the wine, fortified by spirits, has an ABV of 20%) chasing the flavor to my core. One single sip can turn an ordinary moment into a special one, just like a sky and field full of snow.

Cheers to comfort, to joy, and to the special moments of this season!