This gorgeous fortified white wine is a real find! The origins of this Portugese dessert wine go way back to the Middle Ages, but it was only in the 17th century that it was first recorded as imported into England!
A blend of Arinto, Galego Dourado, and Ratinho grapes native to Portugal, it reflects the unique terroir of its red-calcareous Mediterranean soil. Crafted through meticulous manual harvesting, the fermentation process is halted by the addition of 77% wine brandy from the Lourinhã Region in Portugal.
The superior gets much longer time ageing in barrel and is matured for an average of 15 years in Portuguese and French oak. The extra time gives this wine a more complex and oxidative style. The fruit notes evolve into dried orange, raisins, figs, and prunes. The pronounced nuttiness, featuring almond and walnut, along with a toffee sugar undertone, distinguishes it from its younger counterpart.
Despite its sweetness, the wine maintains a well-balanced acidity. The finish is clean, with a delightful pithy bitterness that lingers, contributing to the overall depth and finish.
Drink as an appetizer or digestive; with cured or semi-cured cheeses or desserts based on eggs and nuts.
