Burmester Ruby Port

Burmester Ruby Port comes from the house of Burmester in the Douro Valley of northern Portugal, a brand of British origin trading since 1750. The fruit is drawn largely from Quinta do Arnozelo, a 100 hectare site at roughly 350 metres above sea level where slate and granite dominate. These poor, heat retaining schist soils force the vines to root deep for water and concentrate ripe pigment and tannin in grapes such as Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz and Tinta Amarela. The wine is a blend of several vintages. Fermentation is arrested by adding grape spirit, which kills the yeast while substantial natural sugar remains, fixing the fruit and lifting strength to 20 percent. Short ageing in large vessels keeps the colour deep and the fruit primary rather than developing the oxidative, nutty character of a tawny. The colour is a deep, bright ruby. The nose is young and intense, with wild cherry and dark berry fruit. The palate is sweet and rounded, carried by very light, elegant tannins and a warming finish. Serve lightly chilled at around 14 to 16 degrees. It suits dark chocolate, blue cheese and walnuts after dinner.