Nature Contained, Not Tamed

Uno Spirito Fortificato Eccezionale e Originale – An Exceptional & Original Fortified Spirit.

The full recipe for Portafortuna XO is a trade secret locked away in a safe place. However, rest assured that the techniques we employ develop a super-premium spirito fortificato – a fancy alcoholic drink of fortified spirits. We combine a single quinta vintage port, the best XO brandy, and a single estate fine champagne reserve cognac. Exceptional, naturally occurring flavours are identified and amplified in the blend to create a drink blessed with good fortune. 

The distilled spirit process

Barrel Blended Port and the Best XO Brandy

We barrel blend our selected vintage port and the best brandy that is 15 years old. In the barrel, their macro flavours have time to marry and provide a rich base, perfect for fancy alcoholic drinks. 

Harmonised Distilled Spirits

Once blended and rested, we harmonise and balance the different natures of the fermented Port (20% ABV) and distilled Brandy alcohols (40% ABV). Harmonising these port and brandy cocktails mitigate their harsher tones. 

Ice Filtration

As vintage ports are unfiltered and allowed to mature in the bottle, there may be a tendency for a small amount of sediment to occur over time. This is natural and expected. We ice filter the master blend to capture the early formation of sediment present in the vintage port and distilled spirits. This helps Portafortuna XO keep a refined appearance for longer. 

Cognac Amplification 

The presence of the exceptional and volatile micro flavours selected from vintage port and best XO brandy are augmented with top notes of cognac.

 Acidity and Sugar Content Reduction

Port and brandy cocktails are known for sweetness and acidity, which can affect the aftertaste. We reduce the total sugar level and calm the acidity of the blended base to decrease this influence on the aftertaste, making this a truly fancy alcoholic drink. 

Bottling Our Fortified Distilled Spirit

The last stage is to optimise the final level of alcohol at 27.5% ABV for stability and performance before bottling. A nazar charm is crafted into each 70cl bottle, to lock in and amplify good fortune until it is ready to be unleashed.