In the past there wasn’t a lot of choice when it came to White Porto, but with some of the changes in the cocktail mixology and wine scene this once ignored wine is getting a bit more attention.  Hailing from Douro, Portugal, this style of port can be dry or sweet, and is best served chilled.  It is frequently aged in oak, and after many years can be difficult to distinguish if it started life as a white or a red wine.  Given the unusual nature of this porto, how does Vinzelo White Porto do at a commoners price?

Sight:  An amazing light amber color, with orange-saffron edges.

Smell:  There’s a strong raisin and almond smell, with hints of hazelnuts.  Grapes and butterscotch, with a slightly creamy note from the alcohol waft up.

Sip:  There’s a subtle sweetness that ramps up before being pushed back down by a combination of moderate acid and alcohol.  The wine starts off more on the sweet raisin side, a bit juicier than the nutty nature might imply.  There’s plenty of butterscotch though, a bitter almond, and a mild sort of alcohol taste.  It’s undoubtedly strong.  [A.B.V. 19%]

Savor:  The nutty flavor carries over with plenty of almond, hazelnut, and walnut.  It lingers getting a little caramel, but remaining firmly tart.  At the very end there’s a touch of wet stone.

Vinzelo White Porto is an interesting experience that doesn’t quite fit into the Ruby or Tawny camp.  In a way, it’s a bit like an off-dry amontillado, sharing many flavor and mouth feel similarities to Sherry.  This wine actually might make a particularly interesting stand in for sherry in a cocktail.  A fan of Cream Sherry might also give this a shot.

Verdict:  Hot and nutty
Price:  9.99
Douro, Portugal (Regiâo Demarcada Do Douro)