Q&A: Wine & Food Questions
WHite Port
I recently bought a white port out of curiosity. I was told that it was a dry wine. What flavor profile should I expect and what types of food would I serve with it?
Answer From Expert Roger C. Bohmrich, MW
I'm happy to field a question about something as esoteric as modern white Port. Most people would, I think, automatically describe all Port wine as very sweet. In fact, the regulations governing the various Port styles establish five categories of sugar content from Extra Dry (less than 40 grams/liter or 4%) to Very Sweet (greater than 130 g/l or 13%). In the case of white Port, there's a special designation known as Light Dry White Port containing lower alcohol. This version departs from the traditional wood-matured white and is fresh, fruity and floral. If this is the type you purchased, you could serve it chilled with fresh fruit and mild cow's milk cheeses, or try it with a Thai coconut curry. Some of the Port producers are promoting it as a cocktail mixed with tonic.
About The Expert
Roger has enjoyed a lengthy career in the wine trade as an importer and retailer, and at present he is an educator, speaker and consultant. He set up and managed Millesima USA, a New York merchant affiliated with Europe's leader in direct sales of fine wines to consumers. Previously, he served as senior executive of Frederick Wildman & Sons, traveling regularly around the world to visit wineries and taste the new vintage from barrel. Roger became one of America's first Masters of Wine in 1993.
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