Dow’s Fine White Port, Douro

Dow’s Fine White Port is made from traditional Douro white grape varieties grown in Dow’s A-rated vineyards at Quinta do Bomfim, near Pinhão in the Upper Douro. The grapes are fermented at 18–22°C without skin contact, and the wine is then aged for around three years on average, mainly in oak vats. A portion of the blend is kept out of wood and added back at the end to bring freshness and fruit. It is bottled when ready to drink and needs no further ageing.

In the glass it is a rich, bright gold. The nose is intense and complex, with nutty aromas and fresh fruit. The palate is balanced and smooth, with excellent acidity and a long, persistent finish.

Serve chilled, straight from the fridge, to bring out its crisp fruit. It makes an excellent aperitif with salted almonds, olives or light nibbles, and also works well with light desserts. For a refreshing long drink, try a Port & Tonic: 50ml of White Port over plenty of ice, topped with tonic water and finished with a slice of lemon and a sprig of fresh mint. Keep the bottle in the fridge once opened and enjoy it while it is fresh.

Dow’s is one of the Douro’s great historic Port houses. Its modern identity was forged in 1877, when James Ramsay Dow merged his company with Silva & Cosens, creating a shipper famous for powerful, long-lived Vintage Ports. In 1912 the Symington family became partners in Dow’s, working alongside the Warre family, and they have been sole owners since 1961. Across the generations they have shaped the Dow’s style through Quinta do Bomfim and Quinta da Senhora da Ribeira, together with deep partnerships with Douro farmers. Today Dow’s remains a benchmark for structured, drier-style Port, celebrated for its Vintage releases and aged Tawnies, and Symington Family Estates was the first wine company in Portugal to become a certified B Corp.