Korto - Jeff Konsbrück

The term 'Porto' has long been known far beyond the borders of Portugal's Douro Valley. How did you come up with the name 'Korto', Jeff Konsbrück?

There is a law that prohibits the use of the name 'Porto' for any port wine that is not produced in the Douro Valley. We had no choice but to be a little more creative. So we combined 'Porto' with our surname and came up with 'Korto'. Fortunately, it was not yet protected.

Port wine is very popular far beyond the borders of Portugal. When did you first come up with the idea of making your own Port wine?

 My father started doing this many years ago. When we had too much harvest, we used the extra grapes to make port wine. And when I took over the business in 2013, I thought it would be nice to make our own speciality. As we still had a barrel in the cellar, it was the perfect time to start. I now have 10 barrels in the cellar devoted solely to 'Korto'.

You make both red and white port. Which grape varieties do you use?

The white Port is made from Rivaner and is slightly drier. The red 'Korto' is made from Pinot Noir and is closer to the classic port wine. However, due to the fact that Portuguese wines are generally darker and our fermentation process is shorter, the colour is closer to rosé than the deep red 'Porto'. 

As you have already mentioned, you have been producing your own port wine for a number of years now. How has it been received by customers?

It was a little harder to sell at first, but 'Korto' is now becoming increasingly popular with customers. It's not a wine we sell in bulk, but people recognise it as part of the sweet, smooth Spätlese range. We produce only one barrel of each variety each year, making about 300 bottles.

Port wine is a drink that is deeply rooted in Portugal. How do people from the Douro Valley feel about the ‘Korto’?

The response was positive, with most people saying that they found the 'Korto' very interesting. Of course, their second comment is that it is not the same as a traditional 'Porto'. But we Luxembourg winemakers would say the same about our wines. In general, they find it exciting that there are imitators in other regions of Europe. And since we are not a big producer, they are very friendly towards us, because with our 600 bottles a year, we are no competition. (laughs)

Summer is just around the corner. How do you recommend enjoying 'Korto' on warm summer nights?

Korto Tonic is perfect for such evenings. Simply put a large piece of ice in a glass, fill a quarter of the glass with 'Korto', add a sip of grape juice and fill the rest of the glass with tonic water. Add a mint leaf for decoration and your summer drink is ready.