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In my continued exploration of the pseudo-finer-things, the time has arrived to try Sherry and Port. Luckily, my entry fee has been minor: Trader Joe’s offers Pastora Fino Pale Dry Sherry for $4.99 a bottle, and Porto Morgado Ruby Port for $6.99.

I’ve always been interested in these fortified wines, but never tried either drink, all I knew is that Sherry is a “before dinner” aperitif and Port an “after dinner” digestif, the the first should be dry and the second sweet. I then made a choice based primarily on price, but also asked my local TJ’s Wine Dude if I should pick Ruby or Tawny Port, and he said Ruby is sweeter and richer, Tawny is more mellow and subtle. After he gave me 2 Glencairn glasses to drink my Port in, I chose Ruby because I thought it would be sweeter and chose the Sherry that was described as the driest.

The Sherry is crisp with a quick finish. It has a more pronounced grape flavor than most wines, and after 2 sips I recognized the flavor of my least-favorite liquor: grappa (pomace brandy). We served it very cold – right out of the fridge – but initially served it with turkey cabbage rolls, and we really couldn’t taste it. I had it a few days later as an aperitif and didn’t like it. It has a trashy-grapey finish that grappa has, just a little more muted than straight grappa.

The Port got tasted on Christmas day at room temperature and it’s great. It’s rich, warm-finishing, and sweet, but it doesn’t leave sugariness on the tongue and teeth. It’s perfect as dessert, while talking after a meal, and about 3 oz seems to be just the right amount.

Both the Port and Sherry have the scent of brandy as you lift the glass to your mouth. Once the Porto Morgado is sipped, you cannot taste brandy, though, only the sweet rich frutiness of the drink. The Pastora Fino Sherry has a bit more of the lingering alcohol (grappa) taste, finishes strong and tangy.

Ultimately, I’ll buy the Port again, but may need to look into cream or sweeter Sherries to find something I like.