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Here are my top 5 white ports to buy
Firstly, the difference between ruby tawny and white is in fact the grapes that are used in the production are white grape varieties, such as Esgana Cao, which is a Portuguese white variety known on the island of Madeira as Sercial.
we find that the grape known as Malvasia Fina which is found in the Douro and is a grape that is allowed to be used in the production of white port.
Both of these grapes the better known as the four noble grape varieties used in the production of Madeira.
Also there are other grape varieties which include Arinto, Cercial, Donzelinho Branco, among several other varieties. That is permitted in its production.
Production of white is very similar to red port but the difference is that they have a much shorter to non-existent maceration time.
In both cases, the fermentation period is stopped by the introduction of a neutral grape spirit of around 77% AVB. This high-volume alcohol kills off the yeast stopping the alcoholic fermentation.
This process is known as a fortification, thus resulting in fortified wine. The white port has an ABV of between 16.5% to 20%.
and is a golden colour with notes of honey and nuts with low acidity.
Even those that are labelled as extra dry will still have some sweetness.
What I really like is that It can be used in many cocktails, this a great one to experiment with.
One of the reasons these are a great purchase is the fact that as it is not so widely known in the UK the prices are kept at a very affordable level.
The first time I drank white port it was a vintage of which year I can't remember, as it was around 40 years ago. I was in a conversation with an old friend when this came up as we had tasted it together.
This led me to thinking about it again, and as it is coming up to the festive time of the year I did some research for what I consider to be top bottles in their own category.
White Port 1960's in a silk lined wooden box
10 year old Medium Dry White Port
