Breastfeeding Beyond The First Year(Part 3/3)

BREASTFEEDING BEYOND THE FIRST YEAR (Part 3/3)
It may pose a unique set of challenges, but overcoming them provides dividends for your baby, writes a mother who shares her experience

By Anita Daubars | Reprinted with permission from Today’s Parents Magazine

Click here to read Part 2 and more photos

BREASTFEEDING & FERTILITY
Lactation delays the return of a woman’s menstrual periods after birth. This lactational amenorrhea lasts for varying periods of time in different women, averaging about 14.6 months postpartum in mothers who totally breastfeed their babies for six months and thereafter introduce solids gradually.

The length of lactational amenorrhea is largely determined by the baby’s breastfeeding pattern: is breastfeeding token in nature and scheduled, with solid being introduced at an early age, or is it ad lib and round-the clock, with a later introduction to solids and with baby satisfying his nutritional and his sucking needs at the breast.

Breastfeeding has a contraceptive effect as it suppresses ovulation. Because of the uncertainty of when ovulation will begin again, nursing mothers are encouraged to find other means of contraception. As the nursling nurses less and consumes more food, a mother’s chances of conceiving increase.

Mother of two Irene Tan continued to express her breast milk for her toddler for several months after he had weaned from direct breastfeeding because of its health benefits. Another mother continued nursing her toddler who had food allergies because breast milk was nutritionally wholesome and nursing helped to soothe her child when she developed allergic reactions to suspect foods.

NURSING THROUGH PREGNANCY & TANDEM NURSING
When a nursing mother finds herself pregnant, she is faced with the decision of continuing to breastfeed through the pregnancy or weaning.

She needs to consider the following: her own parenting values and needs; the part breastfeeding plays in her relationship with the nursling; the nursling’s emotional needs and other nutritional and immunological considerations.

Pregnant nursing mothers face breastfeeding challenges such as sore nipples, breastfeeding agitation and a reduction in milk supply because of hormonal changes.

Ways to cope include limiting breastfeeds and supplementing feeding with other milk.

Tandem nursing is closely related to the practice of nursing through a subsequent pregnancy. Tandem nursing refers to nursing two or more children of different ages at the same time; this may not be physically at the same instant, but one after another.

Advantages of tandem nursing that mothers cite include an easier transition to being a big brother or sister and a tender relationship between siblings right from the start.

The biggest obstacle for extended breastfeeding mothers is criticism from others; instead of giving mothers advice, often, affirming them and expressing confi dence in their ability to make good choices is the most helpful.

A mother nursing her toddler needs encouragement; she may find that, among babies similar in age to her own, her baby is the only one still nursing. For such a mum, it is sometimes a lonely journey and it is crucial that she belongs to a community of women who nurse older babies.

Many a mother has been encouraged to stay the course of breastfeeding because of her friendships with other nursing mothers.

Many believe that children whose dependency needs have been met outgrow these needs and achieve independence. When they are able to do this at their own pace, they tend to be more secure than children force into independence before they are ready.

Source: Breastfeeding Beyond The First Year(Part 3/3)

Breastfeeding Beyond The First Year(Part 2/3)

BREASTFEEDING BEYOND THE FIRST YEAR (Part 2/3)
It may pose a unique set of challenges, but overcoming them provides dividends for your baby, writes a mother who shares her experience

By Anita Daubars | Reprinted with permission from Today’s Parents Magazine

Click here to read Part 1 and more photos

NURSING STRIKES
Another issue nursing mums face are nursing strikes. Features of a Nursing Strike: When the nursling refuses to breastfeed without apparent reason. This can occur at any age, lasting from two to four days although a mother in this situation might wonder if the refusal to nurse is a sign of her baby’s readiness to stop breastfeeding.

A baby who is ready to wean will usually be over a year old, will be consuming other food and drink well and will cease nursing gradually, dropping off one breastfeed at a time.

A baby on a nursing strike may not be consuming other foods well and his refusal to nurse will be sudden and upsetting for him.

The mother can figure out the causes of baby’s sudden refusal to nurse by asking: does the baby have an illness or injury that could be interfering with nursing? Has there been a change in the baby’s life?

To get baby back to nursing as before, mothers can try nursing when the baby is very sleepy and by giving him or her lots of quiet, affection, and skin-to-skin contact.

HEALTH CONCERNS
Many nursing mothers are concerned about their nursling’s nutritional needs. Breast milk, being species specific and nutritionally superior, forms an invaluable part of a toddler’s diet that includes varied complementary foods.

Breast milk contains nutrients for baby’s growth as well as immune factors such as antibodies, growth factors, digestive enzymes and hormones.

Once complementary foods have been introduced at around six months of age, the other benefits of breast milk continue.

As such, breastfed toddlers tend to fall sick less often than their nonbreastfed peers and illnesses tend to have a shorter duration.

Nursing toddlers generally have: fewer ear infections; fewer respiratory infections; better digestion with fewer intestinal infections and less constipation; heart health; protection against allergies; less exposure to potential allergens also reduces the baby’s risk of infections, which may trigger allergies; and an intellectual advantage.

EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Mothers sometimes wonder if breastfeeding into toddler hood would cause baby to be clingy as a toddler. However, being clingy towards his primary caregiver at certain times is typical of almost any toddler, regardless of whether he is breastfeeding.

Pediatrician Dr William Sears believes that children who are allowed to breastfeed for as long as they need have a less anxious attachment to caregivers.

Click here for next Part 3

Source: Breastfeeding Beyond The First Year(Part 2/3)

Breastfeeding Beyond The First Year(Part 1/3)

BREASTFEEDING BEYOND THE FIRST YEAR (Part 1/3)
It may pose a unique set of challenges, but overcoming them provides dividends for your baby, writes a mother who shares her experience

By Anita Daubars | Reprinted with permission from Today’s Parents Magazine

WHEN I was expecting my first baby, I had been keen to try breastfeeding my newborn. However, I never thought that my breastfeeding story would turn out the way it has.

I exclusively breastfed my daughter until about six months of age, then began introducing semi-solid food to her. It was around this time that we discovered her allergy to dairy and wheat products.

After taking food containing these ingredients, she would throw up continuously for many hours, and be irritable and fussy. She would also refuse to nurse or eat any other food. After a few hours, she would begin to nurse but would still refuse solid food.

This refusal lasted for many days after each allergic response; during this time, she relied on breastfeeding for her nutritional needs as well as to comfort her. As we identified the specific suspect foods and avoided them in her diet, her allergic episodes became fewer.

Breastfeeding continued to fulfill a large part of her dietary needs. My daughter’s first birthday passed but weaning her felt arbitrary and somewhat odd.

My faith in breast milk’s ability to nourish my baby in the gentlest way, my wariness of triggering further allergic reactions, together with nursing being able to meet my baby’s intense need for closeness motivated me to continue breastfeeding her for as long as it felt ‘right’ for us both.

Most babies do not have such allergic tendencies, and for each individual family, breastfeeding, extended or otherwise, takes its own shape and style.

Nursing mothers whose babies have passed their milestone first birthdays and who continue to find breastfeeding a fulfilling way to meet their babies’ needs face a unique set of challenges.

Those who have resolved early problems with baby’s latch-on technique sometimes find that their baby’s latch becomes more relaxed as she grows bigger, and they begin to have sore nipples once again. The mother then needs to reassess her nursling’s latch and initiate a better latch. The same applies for the nursling’s position.

Nursing toddlers tend to engage in ‘nursing gymnastics’, wriggling and squirming during nursing. They comfortably get into a myriad positions to breastfeed.

Mothers often have to emphasize to their toddlers to stay properly latched on throughout nursing. Toddlers also tend to be busy, distractible people.

Yet, continuing to nurse after the first year sustains the emotional connection between mother and toddler and serves as moments to touch home base and reconnect with their mothers between their outbound exploration trips. Many toddlers settle on having shorter breastfeeds.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), breastfeeding should continue at least until age one, and thereafter, for as long as is mutually desired by mother and child; extended breastfeeding provides significant health and developmental benefits for mother and child, and there is no upper limit to the duration of breastfeeding.

Click here for next Part 2

Source: Breastfeeding Beyond The First Year(Part 1/3)

How To Prevent Osteoporosis

HOW TO PREVENT OSTEOPOROSIS
Learn easy-to-do exercises to protect your bones from young to old

By Cindy Ng | Reprinted with permission from Ezyhealth and Beauty Magazine

OUR bones form our skeletal structure. As we age, our bones become less dense. This often leads to osteoporosis.

What is osteoporosis?

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Consensus Development Panel on Osteoporosis in 2001 defined osteoporosis as “a skeletal disorder characterised by compromised bone strength predisposing a person to an increased risk of fracture.”

Our bones undergo a constant process of breakdown and rebuilding. This is affected by age, calcium level, Vitamin D, hormones and mechanical stress.

If one is physically active, the bones are less likely to be brittle or weak enough to fracture or break if one trips and falls. Sedentary lifestyle is an important risk factor for osteoporosis besides family history and being female.

Other benefits of exercise include improving one’s fitness level, maintaining posture, enhancing the quality of life and ability to carry out daily activities, and managing or reducing aches and pains. It also trengthens joints, as well as improves flexibility and balance, thus reducing risks of falls. Inactivity can increase bone loss, thus it is never too late to be active.

Exercise for healthy bones

Regular exercise plays a big role in strengthening our bones, and in improving our physical fitness and health in general. Exercise encompasses aerobic-based activity, strength training, stretching, and balance training.

Do aerobic-based activities that are weight bearing or impact exercises. Strength training includes doing arm and leg exercises using free weights and elastic tubings or bands. The main muscles to target are your quadriceps, gluteals, hamstrings, back, shoulders, arms and chest.

Stretching is essential to maintain flexibility and helps to prevent muscle aches and pain. Balance or coordination training can be done with tai qi and line dancing.

However, there are exercises to be avoided too. These include dynamic abdominal exercises such as sit ups, twisting movements such as golf swing, repetitive trunk flexion, abrupt, high impact or explosive loading such as high jump.

Exercising through puberty is important in producing a stronger skeleton; thus, one should start young to stay active. But it’s never too late to start even after menopause. Research shows that impact exercises reduce the rate of bone loss or lead to some bone gain at least in the short term.

We can actively prevent the accelerated deterioration of our bones. The choice is ours!

Basic exercise schedule
Frequency	Intensity	Time / Duration	Type
3 to 7 days a week	Heart rate = 60 to 75 per cent of (220-age)	20 to 60 minutes	Weight bearing or impact exercises including brisk walking, jogging/running, line dancing, low to high impact aerobics, jump training and gym exercises.
2 to 3 days a week	Elastic bands/tubings or free weights (1 to 3 kg)	2 sets of 10 to 15 repetitions	Strength or weight training
Daily	Hold stretch for 10 to 15 seconds	1 to 3 repetitions	Quadriceps,hamstrings, calf, shoulders, chest, back
3 to 7 days a week		Practise for a few minutes a day	Tai qi Dancing

Cindy Ng is the Principal Physiotherapist at Singapore General Hospital.

This story cannot be reproduced, whether in part or in whole, without the permission of Ezyhealth.

Source:How To Prevent Osteoporosis

 

Living The Charmed Life At Amorita Resort (Part 2/2)

LIVING THE CHARMED LIFE AT AMORITA RESORT (Part 2/2)

Click here to read Part 1 and more photos

One of the most endearing feature of each Villa is an outdoor “plunge pool,” with its own sun deck and lounge chairs, ideal for those intimate moments or just to enjoy a cold dip after a hot day of touring or enjoying the beach.

Each villa has a king-size bed, where a couple and small child can comfortably fit, a day bed for another family member or guest, plus all the usual resort accoutrements – and more. The “extras” include a wide-screen LCD TV, iPod docking station and a set of toiletries from the French company L’Occitane.

The latter complements the remarkably designed toilet and bath, which are located outdoors, artfully concealed from the outside world yet fully in-touch with the elements. It’s a novel way of going about one’s private business, but refreshing nevertheless – rarely has the term “rest room” seemed this appropriate.

As their names imply, the Garden Villas, which are located “inland,” away from the cliff edge, have their own private garden with flowering plants and tropical foliage, while the Ocean View Villas are perched near the edge of the cliff, giving the guest what is surely the most impressive amenity in the resort – a splendid view of the Bohol Sea and the craggy outlines of islands far off on the horizon.

It’s a scene rivaled only by the view from Amorita’s signature facility, the curving infinity pool located at the very edge of the cliff, where the unobstructed vista of azure water, white sand, verdant mountains and colorful boats all come together in a breathtaking panorama.

Adjacent to the pool is the resort’s Saffron Restaurant, named after the glorious color of the sunset, best viewed while lounging in the restaurant. Saffron boasts of innovative breads and desserts that highlight the amazing medley of flavors of Bohol products and ingredients. One must try their light-as-air Ube Mousse, Peanut Kiss Sans Rival and Turon de Bohol.

Private, air-conditioned function rooms are available for small, private meetings and break-out sessions. For larger gatherings, there’s a ballroom that can accommodate up to 150 guests.

Off to the side of the resort’s main building is a dive shop and the diving pool, where aspiring scuba divers are trained before they venture off to Bohol’s world-famous dive spots, including the Alona Beach house reef just steps away from Amorita.

For guests who want to enjoy KTV facilities while they enjoy their after-dinner drinks, a private air-conditioned room is available.

Rounding off the facilities is the forthcoming wellness spa operated by the internationally known Mandala Spa brand, which, along with 40 luxurious suites, will banner Phase 2 of Amorita’s expansion, both much-anticipated additions to the resort’s myriad guest offerings.

Finally, recognizing that the physical infrastructure is only as good as the human factor, and to this end, the resort management continuously invests in staff training and human-resource development. A key focus of these efforts is the further enhancement of the efficiency of the staff to complement their natural warmth and hospitality.

All of these thrusts are succeeding for Amorita, as evidenced by strong repeat bookings, robust word-of-mouth endorsements and glowing reviews circulating through the blogosphere.

Indeed, Amorita offers the total vacation package: unrivaled location, fabulous views, stylish amenities, striking design, and heartfelt, warm hospitality. It is a resort where life is beautiful.

Amorita Resort is on Alona Beach, Barangay Tawala, Panglao Island, Bohol. For more information, call (63 2) 914-0585 and 914-1728 in their Manila office, email inquiries@amoritaresort.com, or visit http://www.amoritaresort.com.

Source: Living The Charmed Life At Amorita Resort (Part 2/2)

Living The Charmed Life At Amorita Resort (Part 1/2)

LIVING THE CHARMED LIFE AT AMORITA RESORT (Part 1/2)

IN THE Philippines’s famous province of Bohol, there’s a new resort that can stake a legitimate claim to be among the most beautiful and sophisticated, a world away from the generic beach-resort genre found throughout the country.

Amorita Resort, in Bohol’s Panglao Island, boasts not just world-class amenities and an eye-catching design, but also a spectacular location that’s unequaled by any other property in its area. It sprawls over 1.8 hectares of lushly landscaped gardens high up on a windswept cliff overlooking Panglao’s famous Alona Beach, the Bohol Sea and the islands beyond.

It’s a view at once stunning and soothing, dramatic yet tranquil – a great vantage point for promenading and picture-taking or, simply, a private spot for reflection and contemplation. Either way, this view, unique to Amorita, is a balm for the tired urban soul.

For the typical beach bum, however, Amorita is also ideally situated. The fine, white sands and palm trees of Alona Beach are mere steps away via a short, paved footpath down the cliffside.

As such, here, guests can enjoy the best of both worlds: the privilege of an elevated perch given to sweeping views and the lively bonhomie of the beach scene.

The Amorita experience starts from the moment the guest enters its gates. The distinctive design alone speaks volumes. The resort’s owners and design group have created a delightful spread of gardens, pools and beautiful structures, all in harmony with nature and the resort’s matchless cliff-top location.

The cobblestone driveway ushers guests to the reception area, a cozy nook where they are warmly welcomed with sincere smiles, a refreshing drink and a cold towel.

The reception building also houses a boutique stocked with resort essentials as well as a small but functional business center.

As guests are escorted to their accommodations past manicured gardens and luxuriant greenery, a sense of exclusivity and well-being pervades. This is a resort where you can be yourself – or find yourself – for, here, privacy is paramount.

This is evident once guests step inside any of the resort’s 20 Deluxe Rooms, two Sky Suites and 14 single-detached Villas, facilities of world-class stature.

First is the premium on space: each deluxe room, situated in a two-story structure set amidst manicured gardens, is 35 square meters, large enough to accommodate two queen-size beds with room to spare for an extra single bed.

Amenities include hot and cold shower, hair dryer, mini bar, in-room safe, coffee/tea service, cable TV, and air-conditioning.

The elegant, modern interiors are enhanced by fine furniture produced by local craftsmen whose products are much in-demand in the international market.

Each room has a veranda that opens up to either the gardens (for ground-level units) or a balcony (for second-level units) that looks out to the greenery and the rest of the property.

It is in the Villas, however, where Amorita’s designers really get to showcase their creativity. The eight Garden Villas and six Ocean View Villas are each 150 square meters large (including the pocket garden in each unit) and contain enough special amenities to delight the most fastidious guest.

Click here to read Part 2 and see more photos

Source: Living The Charmed Life At Amorita Resort (Part 1/2)

Is It A Home Or An Office? (Part 2/2)

IS IT A HOME OR AN OFFICE? (Part 2/2)
‘The office is not just a workplace, it’s a reflection of the company, the face of the firm’

By Alexis Pabasi | Photos by James Liang
Repinted with permission from Home Concepts Magazine

Click here to read Part 1 and more photos

THE DIRECTORS’ OFFICE FEATURES A QUAINT LIBRARY.

“WE occasionally hold sit-down luncheons or dinners for guests and we will get chefs from different restaurants to prepare the food at our kitchen,” Khaiz shares.

At the end of the first floor is an exhibition gallery, which is used for hosting events such as property launches.

This space, together with the conference area, used to be the interior courtyards of the house. To retain the flavour and character of the place, Khaiz kept the original air wells and skylights, which also allow natural, light to flood the entire space.

“As the house is long and deep, we have to make sure the space is not dark and cramped, hence the use of a light colour palette for the walls and floors and lots of skylights.”

The second floor houses the company’s trading and management offices, which seat a total of 12 people comfortably; a side staircase allows staff to enter these offices without having to cut through the first floor.

The company’s three directors occupy a large, open-concept office in the front section. Brimming with personality, this space features authentic Peranakan furniture from Malacca which are sourced personally by Khaiz and Jerry, both of whom are avid antique collectors.

Inside also is an intimate living room to host private meetings with clients.

Taking a departure from the Asian design influences on the first two levels, the third floor and attic are inspired by New York loft apartments.

These light-filled spaces are the private lounge areas for the fortunate staff and the third floor even comes complete with shower facilities and a cutting-edge Vitalife massage chair, which was specially imported from Europe.

Originally intended as a private suite for the directors, Khaiz says that the space eventually became the staff’s chill out area for them to unwind, hold parties and even sleep in.

THE TOP FLOOR HAS BEEN TRANSFORMED INTO A STAFF LOUNGE.

Says Vincent Wee, personal assistant to the company’s directors: “This office ensures that we have a healthy work-life balance. Even though we work in an exciting, high-stress industry, the staff lounge gives us a quiet, warm, ‘family’ environment to relax in.”

Khaiz leaves one tip for people keen on transforming their office spaces: “The office is not just a workplace. It’s a reflection of the company, the face of the firm. I would like to think that when people think of Jerrytan Residential, images of our luxurious, residential-looking office space come to mind. To give your space a unique personal touch and show your clients your personality, include accent furnishings like antiques, carpets and even captivating artworks.”

Source: Is It A Home Or An Office? (Part 2/2)

Is It A Home Or An Office? (Part 1/2)

IS IT A HOME OR AN OFFICE? (Part 1/2) Jerrrytan Residential opens up their office — a shophouse brimming with character and style exemplifies the new type of commercial space

By Alexis Pabasi | Photos by James Liang
Repinted with permission from Home Concepts Magazine

IN SUPPORT OF LOCAL ART, THE WALLS ON THE FIRST LEVEL ARE LINED WITH INK PAINTINGS BY THE LATE CHUA EK KAY.

ASK anyone who has been to the office of Jerrytan Residential and they will tell you that walking into the 3½-storey shophouse is an experience to be remembered. When Home Concepts dropped by, the company was hosting its annual year-end gathering for clients and friends and the entire first floor had been transformed into an inviting yet posh

The brains behind this chic 500sqm office located in Club Street is Sydney-trained interior designer and Jerrytan Residential executive director Khaiz Noor, who worked closely with the architects from day one of the project.

“We certainly do not want a normal-looking office,” Khaiz emphasises. “Our premises reflect the nature of our business dealing in beautiful and luxurious residential properties in Singapore and the region. Because we represent beautiful homes, our office needs to look and feel like a warm and beautiful home that has its own personality.”

THE PERFECT SPOT FOR THOSE WHO WISH FOR A BIT OF SUN OR SOME QUIET TIME.

So far, the space has been a hit with clients. “Everytime new clients come, they are impressed. We serve them champagne, wine and cheese and sometimes they stay for hours because they feel so comfortable. To make them feel even more at home, our managing director, Jerry, plays the piano and we all sing along,” Khaiz adds with a laugh.

The first floor, inspired by the heritage homes on Emerald Hill, is pristine yet far from clinical.

Three Chinese ink paintings of the exteriors of shophouses by celebrated local artist, the late Chua Ek Kay, adorn the walls leading from the entrance.

A firm supporter of local arts, Khaiz has filled nearly every wall of the office with artworks by local artists ranging from calligraphy paintings to photo prints by Russell Wong.

A white baby grand piano is the life of every party held here since Jerry and Khaiz, both talented performers, enjoy entertaining guests with their wide repertoire.

To add expanse to the narrow room, large mirrored sliding panels were positioned on one wall. These cleverly conceal a kitchen complete with sleek Miele appliances, a fridge, a wine chiller and even an oven.

THE COMPANY’S THREE DIRECTORS AND THEIR STAFF WORK IN A
COMPLETELY OPEN ENVIRONMENT FOR EASY COMMUNICATION AND BONDING.

Click here to read Part 2 and see more photos

Source: Is It A Home Or An Office? (Part 1/2)

Wine Lesson #9: What Is Port Wine And When Do You Drink It? (Part 3/3)

WINE LESSON #9: WHAT IS PORT?
Unlike dry red or white wines, Port is a versatile product with numerous styles

Click here to read Part 2

Let me explain.

To refresh our memory, the fermentation process converts sugar in grape juice into alcohol to form wine. For dry wine almost all the sugar is converted.

What if we stopped the fermentation half-way? This would mean two things: (1) there is sugar left unfermented and (2) not the full strength of alcohol is achieved. We’ll we have achieved the sweetness.

Now we need to achieve the desired level of alcohol strength. We are an exact ratio of spirit — grape brandy usually — to make the solution precisely say 20%ABV. Viola! We have Port – a complex wine with a great balance of sweetness and alcohol strength.

Some names to look for in Port are: DOW, GRAHAM, COCKBURN, TAYLOR, DIEZ, SMITH WOODHOUSE, SANDEMAN, FEIST and BARROS.

But the greatest name of all, the nobility among Port producers if you will, is Portugal’s national pride — QUINTA DO NOVAL.

Their vintage port made from the indigenous grape variety called Touriga Nacional — specified in label — commands an extraordinary high price but despite that all bottles are zapped up immediately upon release.
Although some connoisseurs recommend serving Port at 20°C, many find it more pleasant at room temperature 15°C in tropical climates.

What do we eat with Port? Blue cheese, medium-spicy Asian food, heavy reduction sauces, dark bitter chocolate come to mind instantly.

The all-time classic pairing is a English Blue Stilton cheese with a glass of genuine Vintage Port.

Life is not long enough to say no to something so perfect, do you agree?

Source: Wine Lesson #9: What Is Port Wine And When Do You Drink It? (Part 3/3)

Wine Lesson #9: What Is Port Wine And When Do You Drink It? (Part 2/3)

WINE LESSON #9: WHAT IS PORT? (Part 2/3)
Unlike dry red or white wines, Port is a versatile product with numerous styles

Click here to read Part 1

Colheita Vintage Port
It is not often that we come across a Colheita but when you see one, it is almost always a super-value buy. Colheita is a Tawny Port made from a single vintage which is stated in the label. It ages for at least 7 years in barrel giving it depth, complexity, that attractive nutty flavor and flavors of dried fruit.

Most Colheita’s are zapped up once they hit the wine shelves because it is perhaps the closest thing to the KING of Port — The Vintage Port — at probably half the cost.

Vintage Port
Well, well, well, this is what PORT is all about, the top of the line, ultimate luxury but alas almost always expensive Vintage Port. To start with, producers don’t make Vintage Port every year. As a matter of fact, they “declare” — term used in the trade to mean announcing that a Vintage Port will be made for this year — a Vintage about 3-5 years in a decade.

That decision is based on how great the vintage is. Vintage Port accounts of about 1% of Port made so it hardly makes or breaks a producer’s financial disposition either way. A lousy Vintage Port can seriously damage a producer’s reputation.

Vintage Port is made from one single vintage year and only the best grapes are chosen. It is bottled after 2-3 years in barrel, unfiltered of course and is expected to improve with bottle ageing for many years, a century even, for the best vintages such as 1955, 1963, 1977 for example.

Many argue that Vintage Ports are one of the finest wines in the world. After a sip of these, one might be at a lost for words to disagree. We can always expect a thick sediment in Vintage Port and so decanting is absolutely required.

Single Quinta Port
Now that we know how sensitive a decision to “declare a vintage” is, for lesser-quality vintages, producers may opt to produce a “Single Quinta Port”. It is practically the same as a Vintage Port but it comes from a single vineyard.

But the mere admission that it is not “Vintage Port” means two things: (1) it is less expensive and (2) its quality is not up to the standard of Vintage Port. Along with Colheita’s, Single-Quinta’s can be excellent value for your money. Always decant a vintage port.

Now before we end this week’s lesson on Port, let’s quickly explain how Port gets its sweetness. Except for really bad Ports where cheating takes place, there is no sugar added to make the wine sweet. Instead, the sweetness comes from the (red) base wine.

Click here to read Part 3

Source: Wine Lesson #9: What Is Port Wine And When Do You Drink It? (Part 2/3)