Quinta do Noval Fine Ruby Port

A Ruby port from Quinta do Noval, made from grapes harvested in the Douro valley, some of them from vineyards the house does not own. The wine ferments in steel with continual pumping over, then spends two to three years in traditional large wooden vats known as balseiros. It is a clean, fruit-led style without any burning sense of alcohol. The colour is bright ruby with crimson-purple edges. The nose is simple and intense, with kirsch, cherry and strawberry preserves, softened by mint and woodland notes. The palate is sweet but balanced, powerful and deep, with fresh acidity and little tannin. It leaves the mouth clean and tonic. It suits an aperitif or the end of a meal, served at about 14°C.