There are two general categories of Red Port: "Tawny" and "Ruby".
- "Tawny" Ports are prepared with red grape varieties, and are aged for several years in oak casks or tuns.
- "Ruby" Ports are also made with red grape varieties, and most are aged in bottles after one to three years in casks.
Their colours vary from deep red to golden according to the duration of ageing and the ageing method used.
This type of Port is made with white grape varieties and is aged in vats. Some of these Ports might then be aged in casks.
Prepared with red grape varieties, this type of Port is macerated only for a short time, which brings them a lighter colour than Ruby or Tawny Ports.