Altiva 10 year old White Port Portugal 50 cl 19,5%

Summer in the Douro Valley leaves no room for doubt – the sun bakes the terraced slopes, the river glitters below, and a chilled glass of White Port over ice is the only sensible answer. Altiva has poured exactly that feeling into a 50 cl bottle: ten years in wood, condensed into something that tastes of almonds, honey and late summer.

Expert's Description

Altiva 10 Year Old White Port is a Port Wine from the Douro region in Portugal. The house of Altiva was founded in 1996, but it draws on the legacy of the Van Zeller family, a lineage with roots in Port production stretching back to the early 1600s – so while the name is relatively young in the trade, the craft behind the bottle is anything but. White Port is the pale branch of the Port family, made from white grapes grown in the Douro and fortified during fermentation, so some of the natural sweetness is preserved while the alcohol is raised. The "10 Year Old" designation means the wine has spent an average of around ten years in wood, gradually taking on a golden hue and the round, nutty character that defines older White Port. It comes in the smaller 50 cl format, the classic size for Port – you're not necessarily meant to finish the bottle in one sitting.

Tasting Notes

Nose

The nose opens with almonds and honey, with a trace of candied orange peel that gives it a faintly festive lift even in the height of summer.

Palate

On the palate it's rich and full, with sweetness from ripe peach and apricot, spiced vanilla, and a warm hint of cedar underneath.

Finish

The finish fades slowly and with poise – soft, nutty, with one last trace of honey that lingers a little longer than expected.

Serving & Food Pairing

Serve it chilled, around 6-8°C straight from the fridge, or with a couple of ice cubes in the glass – that's how it's drunk in Portugal itself. Decanting isn't necessary. Use a small Port glass or a standard white wine glass, so the aromas can open up without getting lost in too much air. It works well with salted almonds and olives as an aperitif, with a wedge of blue cheese, or mixed with tonic and a slice of orange for a Portonic – a simple, refreshing drink that's become something of a national pastime in Portugal.

Specifications

Name: Altiva 10 Year Old White Port
Producer/Estate: Altiva
Region/Country: Douro, Portugal
Appellation/Classification: Porto DOC
Vintage: Non-vintage (NV)
Size: 50 CL
Oak Ageing: Yes, around 10 years
Serving Temperature: 6-8°C
Decanting Recommended: No
Glass Type: Port glass

Flavour Profile

Full-bodied · Nutty · Honeyed · Creamy · Aromatic

Did You Know?

Portonic – Port mixed with tonic, ice and a slice of citrus – has become one of Portugal's most popular summer drinks, and a 10 Year Old White Port like this one is built for exactly that: enough sweetness and character to carry the tonic without drowning in it.

Frequently Asked Questions about Altiva 10 Year Old White Port

Is Altiva 10 Year Old White Port sweet or dry?

Sweet. It belongs to the classic, sweet style of Port – not the dry version sometimes seen from the Douro. Honey, almonds and ripe stone fruit give it a round, full character, a world away from the lighter aperitif style of dry White Port.

Should White Port be served chilled or at room temperature?

Chilled. Put it in the fridge for a couple of hours before serving, or add a few ice cubes to the glass. That's how White Port is drunk in Portugal – quite different from the room-temperature serve you'd give a tawny or vintage Port.

Can Altiva White Port be used in cocktails?

Yes, it's practically made for it. Portonic – Port, tonic and a slice of orange over ice – has become a popular summer drink in Portugal, and the ten years in wood give it exactly the sweetness and character the drink needs.

What does "10 Year Old" mean on a bottle of Port?

It tells you the average time the wine has spent in wood before bottling. A 10 Year Old Port has had time to round out and pick up colour, flavour and aroma from the cask – unlike a young White Port, which is bottled fresh and fruity.

Is Altiva an old or a new Port producer?

Both, in a way. The house of Altiva itself was only established in 1996, so it's relatively young by Port standards. But it builds on a legacy from the Van Zeller family, who have been making Port in the Douro Valley since the early 1600s – the craft behind the bottle is anything but new.

Does Altiva White Port pair well with dessert or cheese?

Yes to both. Try it with salted almonds or olives as an aperitif, with a wedge of blue cheese, or with a simple fruit tart or lemon-based dessert, where the sweetness and acidity play off the Port's honeyed notes.