SUPER WHITE PORT FROM M & S

• Old Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia across the river Douro, as viewed from the Torre dos Clérigos, in July, 2005.Photo taken by Jonik.

M&S EXTRA WHITE PORT

The Extra Dry White Port was the best of three bottles picked up lately on the spur of the moment in Marks and Spencer.

“This is a fresh and aromatic port, subtly oak-aged to bring out its crisp floral style and attractive honey sweet finish.” Their words. They also advise serving it as an aperitif over ice. I’d go easy on the ice but either way this 19% port is a beauty and I was thrilled to “discover” it. Any local independents selling it or an equivalent?

Couldn’t really disagree with the label, so here goes: “Made with a careful selection of indigenous white port grapes from the finest demarcated vineyards surrounding the village of Pinhao.”

“A blend of young white ports. Pale in colour, aged in oak casks in..Vila Nova de Gaia. This delicious fresh crisp port wine, although classified as dry, has attractive floral notes with an almost sweet honeyed flavour.”

The 50cl bottle cost me €12.49. I also bought a full bottle of Manzanilla Sherry (didn't really fancy that too much) and a half-bottle of Monbazillac (which I do like). The sherry cost €8.29 while the sweet French one was €7.99. Also got a ten per cent discount because I bought three bottles.