Best bits of Portuguese literature (5)
I believe the answer is:
elite
'best' is the definition.
(elite can mean the very best of a group)
'bits of portuguese literature' is the wordplay.
'bits of' indicates a hidden word.
'ELITE' can be found hidden inside 'portuguese literature'.
(Other definitions for elite that I've seen before include "Top group f" , "Pick of the bunch" , "type in pool?" , "Cream, the pick" , "High society" .)