Ca´dega, Rabigato, Viosinho, Arinto and Gouveio
75cl * 19.5% ABV * Porto, Portugal
Dirk Niepoort is the fifth generation proprietor at this small family-run house, but the quality under his watch has been nothing but stellar. The white grapes for this blend undergo long skin maceration, occasionally with foot treading in lagares, with fermentation carrying on to near dryness, before the addition of pure grape brandy. Niepoort Dry White is golden-brown in colour with a delightful aroma of nuts, particularly almonds, which comes through on the palate with a fresh concentrated finish, from extended ageing in small old oak barrels.
Lovely if served chilled as an aperitif or as a long drink with Tonic Water, ice and a twist of lemon.