From chilled, elegant rosé on a gloriously sunny day, to a warming dram of single malt whisky on a crisp Winter evening, certain drinks just feel right in the moment. And the same applies to Port.
Whilst simply uttering the word Port may conjure images of armchair sipping in front of a roaring fire, hefty cheeseboards and perhaps one too many wafer-thin mints, Port doesn’t have to be preserved for those more indulgent moments of celebration. I know, I know, it’s far too soon to talk about Christmas. But Port can be perfect for Summer sipping; it’s just all about style.
This well-loved product from Portugal can be made in a range of styles. There are four main types of Port: Ruby, Tawny, Rosé and White. And, despite their stylistic differences, they all must be made from grapes grown in the Douro Valley. The first three types are produced with black grapes and White Port is made with white grapes.
Port is a fortified wine. Essentially, all Port starts its journey as any other wine. However, this base wine has spirit added to it, known as “aguardiente”, typically a colourless neutral spirit with a very high ABV of 77%. The addition of high alcohol spirit halts the fermentation process. What does this mean? Basically, the yeasts in the base wine are stopped from turning the sugar into alcohol, leaving a natural level of sweetness.
Let’s explore White Port - for White Port, the fortified wine is aged in oak casks for two to three years before being bottled, although some can be aged for much longer.
Despite being one of the styles of Port, White Port is somewhat underrated. Whilst many people may associate Port with the ‘classic’ Ruby and Tawny styles, a White Port is a gem waiting to be discovered for those of you yet to try it. With dry and sweeter White Ports available, this style offers something for everyone.
Offering freshness and complexity without being cloying, the wave of aromas and flavours make it an ideal stand-alone glass or perfect for cocktails. Ready to drink as soon as it’s opened, get those glasses ready! Delicious slightly chilled, a glass of White Port is a refreshing change from other go-to tipples. At Tanners, the signature bottle available is Churchill's White Port:
“A full-flavoured, rich, off dry white Port, with a nutty nose and aromas of raisins and dried flowers. The palate is soft, nutty and spicy with creamy, luscious fruit and a long finish. A fine apéritif and great with starters.” Tanners Tasting Note
Founded in 1981, Churchill’s Port House may be one of the younger Port Houses, but it has emerged from a historic family that has been making wine in the Douro for six generations. Using top-quality grapes, their White Port has been aged for approximately 10 years in oak and is a must-try.
But what if you want to pair it with something? Whilst a generous glass of White Port is perfect on its own, or with a healthy splash of tonic water, a slice of lemon and a sprig of mint, it can make a tantalising food partner. Whether it’s a picnic in the park, an evening drink in the garden or perhaps a day at the seaside, try White Port with smoked almonds, sea salt crisps, green olives, or delicious smoked salmon.
Whilst here in the UK we may not be able to reach the scorching temperatures and endless sun-drenched days of Portugal, we can enjoy Port in British Summertime, we may just need to be sitting under an umbrella!
