Noval Extra Dry White

Noval Extra Dry White is a white Port from Quinta do Noval, the century-old estate on the left bank of the Pinhão river in the Douro Valley. The vineyards were replanted after phylloxera in the late nineteenth century, and a small pre-phylloxera plot survives on the property. This wine is blended from the indigenous white varieties Códega, Gouveio, Malvasía Fina and Rabigato, grown on the Douro's schist soils. The valley's hot, dry summers ripen the grapes to high sugar, and the must is fortified with grape spirit to around 19.5 percent. The extra-dry style is fermented out further than a standard white Port and then aged three years in oak, where slow oxidative ageing builds nutty depth while the cool Atlantic-influenced nights of the upper Douro help retain freshness. The wine is golden in the glass, with an intense, fruity nose. The palate is elegant and fine, dry and well balanced between alcohol and fruit, with almond, citrus peel and a lively acidity that keeps the finish fresh. Serve chilled at 8 to 10 degrees, on its own or over ice.