TAYLOR’S
CHIP DRY EXTRA DRY WHITE PORT, 20%, (Bradleys, North Main Street)
This is a rather rare, in these parts anyway, white port. But is has a
77 year history, having been first introduced, as a style, by Taylor’s in 1934.
It is made in exactly the same way as regular Port but from white grapes.
Taylor’s claim that it is the original extra dry white aperitif port.
Don’t let the many mentions of dry put you off – it has a crisp dry finish but
it is some distance away from its Sherry counterparts in terms of jaw-locking!
Indeed, it is quite fruity, both on the nose and on the palate, the mild mellow
aromas coming from its aging in seasoned oak vats.
Even the white is a bit mis-leading, as the colour of mine was close to
gold.
Really glad I took a chance on this one. Chilled it down well and used
it as an aperitif with a small bowl of marinated olives from Provence. As you
know, there is no shortage of olives in the English Market (and in some Farmers
Markets) these days. Toasted almonds are also recommended as an accompaniment
or just have it on its own.
The producers also promote it as a long drink, in a big glass with ice
and tonic. Not too sure about that but different strokes for different folks!
