DESCRIPTION
The first white wine off the block is a blend from Vinho Verde. But not just any Vinho Verde. In essence, it is a “Pet Nat”, but at very low pressure, sort of like a Txakoli (a very light fizz dry white from Basque country). Here, the wines are bottled with a touch of sugar that is left to ferment inside the bottle to create just a light fizz. It is actually an historic method that was practiced in the 19th and early 20th centuries in this region. Since the wine is not disgorged, there are also some lees in the bottle. You can let the sediment settle in the bottom of the bottle, or as Dirk likes to, shake it all up for a yummy, leesy, complex version. Vinho Verde with attitude!
Varietals – Azal, Arinto, Avesso, Trajadura, Loureiro
Vineyard – The grapes are grown in two areas of Vinho Verde: Amarante and Lousada. The vines are on average 25-30 years old.
Altitude above sea level – 100 to 150 metres
Soil type – Granite
Viticulture – All work in the vineyards is done by hand and practicing organic methods.
Vinification – The wine is made in a the very typical and traditional way for the region. Wild yeasts are used, and the wine is bottled before it is dry with some residual sugar and the fine lees. The wine then re-ferments in the bottle leaving a little bit of spritz and a cloudy appearance. No sulphur is used so malolactic fermentation also takes place in the bottle.
ABV-11.5% Alc
