Description

REGION COLARES – Sintra – Portugal
Located between Sintra Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean, 25 km from Lisbon. Westernmost wine demarcated region of continental Europe and the smallest still wine producing region in Portugal.

VARIETIES AND SOILS Malvasia de Colares
Ancient and rare grape sort, only grown in this area. Cultivated in the
traditional phyloxera-free sandy soils without root stock grafting,
located at less than 1 km (0,62 miles)from the Atlantic Coast at an
average altitude of 110 m (360 feet).

CLIMATE Due to the closeness of the sea, the climate is very specific, with a muscular Atlantic influence, i.e. moderate temperatures, strong and salty sea winds, and a high percentage of air moisture. Mists are common till mid-morning due to the presence of the Sintra Mountain, to the South.

VINEYARD MANAGEMENT
No trellis system. The vines are free, crawling on the sand, with the
cordons stretching horizontally. By August, the clusters are propped up with the use of small cane sticks -pontões-. Plants must be shielded from sea wind, which is accomplished through hand-made palisades of dried canes sewn with wicker. Properties are generally small and bound by loose stone walls.

HARVEST/WINEMAKING
The grapes were harvested in the last week of September. Immediate destemming. Light skin contact (6 hours) inside the press. The resulting must was chilled (6ºC) and cold settling took place overnight. Racked to a stainless steel tank. Fermentation lasted 16 days, with temperature control (15-16ºC). Tank aged for 12 months, with regular bâtonnage. Bottled in October 2023.

TASTING NOTES Medium yellow colour with light green reflections. The bouquet shows character of lemon and verbena with a unique and intriguing sensation of wax, honey and boiled apple. Strong presence in the palate, with good acidity, dryness and a unique mineral character (sallé), reminding the nearby sea. With ageing, the wine loses some of its fresh aromatic style but retains elements of delicacy, and the flavours become even more distinctive, with toasted notes of dried fruits, iodine and hay.

AGEING POTENTIAL Até 15 anos.

FOOD PAIRING Suits a wide range of foods and can also be served as an aperitif. It particularly suits the aromatic flavours of Thai and Indian cuisine, grilled fish and shellfish. Great with oysters! As the wine ages, gaining a different patina, it serves well with more sophisticated and seasoned fish meals. Serve chilled (10ºC).