White Port: Portugal’s Best-Kept Secret
Posted 13 April 2025
by Vintage Wine and Port
When people think of port, they usually imagine deep ruby reds or amber-toned tawnies — perfect for winter evenings by the fire. But tucked into the Douro Valley’s rich winemaking history is a golden, aromatic treasure waiting to be discovered: white port.
At Vintage Wine & Port, we’ve seen growing excitement around white port, and for good reason. Whether served chilled as an aperitif, in a refreshing summer spritz, or sipped neat after dinner, white port is versatile, characterful, and surprisingly affordable.
What Is White Port?
White port (Porto Branco) is made from white grapes — such as Malvasia Fina, Gouveio, Rabigato, and Viosinho — rather than the red varieties used in ruby or tawny port. It’s fortified in the same way, with grape spirit added mid-fermentation, but white port offers a broader spectrum of flavours, from crisp citrus to nutty caramel.
It’s available in a range of styles — dry, off-dry, sweet, and aged — giving you lots of ways to enjoy it.
Styles of White Port (And What to Expect)
Dry White Port
Fresh, floral, and mineral. Perfect over ice or with tonic.
- Burmester Dry White Port – Crisp and lightly nutty with hints of citrus and almond.
- Kopke Dry White Port – Zesty, clean, with an elegant saline finish.
- Quevedo Dry White Port – Bright, floral, and citrus-driven — ideal for cocktails.
Sweet / Lágrima
Lusciously sweet with golden raisin, pear, and orange blossom notes.
- Messias Lágrima White Port – Rich, sweet, and vibrant.
- Kopke Lágrima White – Smooth and silky, packed with dried fruit.
Aged White Port
Longer oak ageing brings complexity — think nuts, dried fruits, and spice.
- Kopke 10 Year Old White Port – Hazelnut, dried apricot, soft caramel.
- Quevedo 10 Year White – Toasted almond and fig with finesse.
- Devesa 40 Year White – Aged style with honeyed fruit, nutmeg, and a gentle richness.
How to Enjoy White Port
Neat:
Chilled in a wine glass — perfect for dry or aged styles.
In Cocktails:
Port & Tonic: 50ml white port + 100ml tonic + ice + lemon
Also try with soda water, lemon juice, or even a dash of vermouth for a modern twist.
With Food:
- Dry styles: Cured meats, salted almonds, hard cheeses
- Sweet styles: Blue cheese, fruit-based desserts, salted nuts
- Aged styles: Figs, crème brûlée, or sip on its own as a digestif
Quevedo: Modern Tradition
Based in the heart of the Douro, Quevedo represents a fresh face in the port world. Their family-run winery crafts elegant white ports that are perfect for modern tastes — dry, refreshing, and great for both sipping and mixing.
Explore White Port at Vintage Wine & Port
We’re proud to stock white ports from:
- Burmester – Classic and food-friendly
- Kopke – Portugal’s oldest port house, rich and refined
- Messias – Reliable and expressive sweet styles
- Quevedo – Modern, vibrant, and cocktail-ready
Summary
White port is the hidden gem of the Douro Valley — versatile, affordable, and full of character. Whether you’re new to fortified wine or a lifelong port lover, white port offers a refreshing twist on tradition. Try it neat, in a spritz, or alongside your next cheeseboard. With bottles from top producers like Burmester, Kopke, Quevedo, and Messias, there’s never been a better time to explore white port at Vintage Wine & Port.