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White Port sales surging in the UK
Sales of white Port are surging in the UK off the back of a growing trend for the white Port and tonic serve championed by the likes of Bar Douro in London Bridge.
Could the white Port and tonic become the sip of the summer?
According to Bar Douro, white Port sales in the UK are up by 70% since last December as Port producers look to target younger consumers with on-trend serves.
Max Graham, founder of Bar Douro in London Bridge, whose father Johnnie runs Port house Churchills, is keen for the white Port and tonic to become the apéritif of the summer.
The Portuguese equivalent of the Aperol Spritz, Graham makes his with Churchills White Port and garnishes it with a sprig of mint to accentuate its freshness and a slice of orange, which mingles with the citrus notes in the Port.
“It’s great to see people in the UK discovering what has always been a well-loved drink in Porto.
“White Port may have been neglected over the years due to its association with heavier styles of ruby Port. In fact, dry white Port is an approachable wine that’s very versatile when paired with food and served in cocktails,” Graham told db.
“White Port and tonic definitely has appeal with a younger audience due to its freshness, and perhaps a fond association with sundowners in Portugal.
“At a lower ABV than gin, it also offers a lighter alternative to the Gin & Tonic, which I think a younger audience is increasingly drawn to.
“The white Port and tonic trend may also encourage new Port drinkers to try different styles, by showing the range and versatility of Port,” he added.
Other London venues championing white Port and tonic this summer are Leandro Carreira’s Londrino in London Bridge, Llewelyn’s in Herne Hill and Morito in Exmouth Market.
“One of my aims at Bar Douro has been to showcase some of the lighter styles of Port with food pairings. Chilled white Port goes fantastically with roasted almonds and charcuterie,” Graham said.
“Dry white Port has a characteristic golden colour and tastes great in cocktails or straight up. I’m increasingly seeing white Port appear on more restaurant and bar lists – The Savoy uses it in one their signature cocktails,” he added.