Description
A delicious, youthful red Port made by Niepoort, from Cima Corgo region of the Douro Valley, in Portugal. Niepoort have made a blend of grapes Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinto Cão, Tinta Francisca, Tinta Amarela, Sousão, Tinta Roriz and more! It’s a very successful mix, and the wine is satisfying, with the typical richness of good port and lovely berry flavours of the Ruby Port style. The name Ruby Dum is a nod to the mischievous character of Tweedledum, in Alice in Wonderland, which owner Dirk sees in the youthful fruitiness of this wine.
TASTING NOTE: Deep ruby red in colour. On the nose: there are lovely red cherry and plum notes, and a hint of spice. It’s youthful and fruity with pure berry notes. On the palate: the palate is medium to full with juicy berry fruit characters, not tannic and with typically warm alcohol of Port, at 19.5%. A generous, satisfying and long finish, great for a cool evening!
FOOD PAIRING, STORING AND SERVICE: While it would match a main meal such as duck and fruit sauce, or venison casserole, ruby port is usually a wine for the end of the meal, or as a digestif after dinner, sipped over the evening. It is, however, surprisingly versatile, and makes a great matches for cheeses such as cheddar, gouda or brie, as well as desserts such as chocolate ganache or dark chocolate tart. Serve at around 17 or 18 degrees. It is drinking well now and won’t improve, but will easily store for another 2-4 years if you’d like to keep it. Once open, store in the fridge for 3-4 weeks, not more.
ABOUT: Niepoort is one of the most famous wine-producing names in Portugal, but it has remained an independent family business since its creation in 1842. The fifth generation, Dirk Niepoort, is now in charge, alongside his sons Daniel and Marco. The family now own over eighty hectares of vineyards in the Douro, all farmed organically. They make serious wines capable of ageing, often with a sense of fun, found in the names and labels of the wines (hence Ruby Dum, a nod to the Tweedle Dum character in Alice in Wonderland), as well as the wines themselves, which are full of juicy fruit and delicous flavour. They have expanded to the Bairrada, Dao and Vinho Verde regions, too, meaning it is very much a name to watch.
