I have included this because "who knew?" ... LOL ! It seems that vintage port wine is stored for a long time, and the cork can/will begin to disintegrate. If you remove the cork in the ususal manner and it breaks apart into the wine, it will ruin the taste.

SO: an old method, still used: A tong is heated in a flame...the tong is then held around the neck of the bottle for a minute until it "marks" the glass. Then: tong is removed, cold water is poured over the neck and the glass just "breaks" off! It's a smooth break ... done by holding the cork end with a napkin (because it's hot!)

What fun! how interesting the way this works. The neck of the bottle, with the cork in it, is removed. The wine is now decanted to remove the sediments that are in the bottom of the bottle. Oh yes ... NOW drink!!

ps: I'm a little late posting this ... but, wanted to get it in here.