Porron is a traditional Spanish wine vessel with two openings, a grooved neck, and a side spout that eliminates the need for cups. Drinking from it takes practice, and it is mostly used in small taverns and pubs or as a display piece.
A porron is a traditional Spanish wine vessel, specifically originating from Catalan. It is no mistake that the word, pronounced “poor-AHN”, contains the English word pour. The sole purpose of the porron was to drink wine, usually at a large table where there were many people. All porrons have two openings: one at the top, which allows the server to fill it, and a spout on the side, from which guests drink.
The balloon base of each porron is surmounted by a delicately fluted throat, usually closed by a cork. The supplemental spout on the side of the vessel usually begins about an inch (about 2 cm) from the base and projects upward at a 45° angle. The tip of this spout is almost always very narrow and can be curved or straight.
A porron’s design is intended to eliminate the need for cups. The grooved neck typically makes it easy to grab and pass around a table, while the large bottom holds plenty of wine. The side spout, when angled towards the mouth, projects a narrow stream of wine, similar to the stream from a drinking fountain. Guests don’t need to put their lips on the spout, making it safe for multiple people to use.
Drinking from a porron correctly usually takes a lot of practice. One has to tilt the head back, open the mouth very wide and hold the porron about 4 inches (about 8 cm) from the mouth. Tilting the spout down towards the chin should cause the wine to flow directly onto the tongue, although my unfamiliar person finds it flowing onto the forehead or shirt front. When finished drinking, the user should lower the narrow spout towards the mouth and simultaneously tilt the vessel back to an upright position. In general, only those experienced with leeks can complete this act without spilling wine.
While practical for use in large groups, the messy reputation of the porron has led to it falling into disuse. Most modern Spanish restaurants prefer to use regular tumblers and glasses. Some tourists may discover some small taverns and pubs that still use porrons, mainly to entertain foreigners.
You might also be able to find these unusual vessels in thrift stores and antique stores. Typically, they make lovely display pieces and could be used as an unusual vase or watering can. Some people may even use them to display wine, although pouring from the porron into a wine glass may be more practical than the traditional method.
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