Reserva White Porto

Van Zellers & Co Reserve White Port is produced like any traditional Port wine. The white grapes are crushed by foot, before fermentation, together with 10% of the total grape brandy which is added to the final Port. This allows us to macerate the grapes at cooler temperatures and for a longer period before fermentation. When the must was ready for the addition of the remaining grape brandy, the fortification was made in one single moment, adding all the brandy to the must and skins in the lagar. Some more treading ensured good homogenization of the wine and that fermentation was stopped. The blend of must and brandy stayed in the lagar for two more days, with very slight treading twice a day (10 minutes each time). It was then racked to the storage vat together with all the press wine (we use traditional basket presses). The wines are aged in very ancient (more than 100 years old) wood Port casks and small stainless steel vats for a minimum of six years, when we make the final blend before bottling.

Van Zellers & Co. White Port is quite nutty in taste, with dried apricot, prunes and raisins. The ageing in old oak casks during a minimum of seven years makes it more complex and peppery. It is a White Port ideally served fresh as an aperitif or cocktail as a long drink. Serve chilled. Great to pair also with some sweeter desserts, such as almond tarts or créme brulée.