SANDEMAN, White Port. Douro, Portugal

A blend of classic white Douro varieties – Códega; Gouveio; Malvasia Fina; Viosinho. Fermented cool and then fortified to 19.5%, leaving behind 60g of sugar per litre (so it’s an off-dry style). Then matured for 3 years before bottling.

From the website of the UK agents for Sandeman:
“There are few more iconic images in the world of wine than the ‘Don’, the logo created for the Sandeman family in 1928 by George Massiot Brown. The cape was modelled on the attire worn by university students in Porto, while the wide-brimmed hat was a nod to the family’s presence in Jerez. Today, the wines are good enough to be every bit as famous as the image of the Don. This hasn’t always been the case, but since Sogrape bought Sandeman from Seagram in 2002, the major investment that has taken place in the vineyards and the winemaking has seen them rise to the top of the tree in Port. The production of Port – especially Tawny – requires patience and a long-term vision, something which explains why families like the Guedes and the Symingtons are the major players in the Port business today.”

Can be drunk on its own, chilled, but best (of course) as the base for Port and Tonic. Use one measure of Port to every two of tonic; garnish in whatever way suits you – and you have one of the world’s great aperitifs.