Only in Portugal would a vineyard of 60-80 year-old vines not be considered an estate's oldest vines. But Antonio Madeira, a Frenchman with Portuguese roots and a habit of speaking to the oldest inhabitants of various villages, has been able to acquire fruit from a parcel of vines planted well over a century ago. A land of unique, indigenous grapes, Portuguese vineyards have traditionally been collected and blended into one wine, a field blend often including dozens of varieties. There are two great joys to drinking Portuguese wines. First, the country's best winemakers remain committed to traditional varieties and, with nary a Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay in sight, the wines are unlike anything else the wine world has to offer. Second, many of the best plots were planted by today's winemakers' parents or grandparents, ensuring tons of concentration and intensity.
What importer Polaner Selections has to say about this wine...
VineyardThis wine is a blend of the best vineyards that Antonio works. The vine age here is old on average starting at least at 60 and to well above 100. There are more than 20 varieties in this wine but Baga is the main one at close to 50%.SoilGraniteViticulturebiodynamic, all work done by hand and horse.VinificationHand harvest into small baskets with first sort at harvest. The grapes are destemmed and pressed and undergo a prefermentative cold maceration for 4-5 days to gain aromatics. This is done in small tanks or plastic vats. The musts are then allowed to warm up and native yeast fermentation begins. Hand punch downs 1 per day for the 12-14 day fermentation.AgingThe wines are aged in used French oak 400, 500 or 600L barrels for 2 winters to naturally stabalize and clarify the wines.
Details
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Grape Variety
Red Blend
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Vintage
2019
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Size
750ml
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Farming Practice
Organic
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Sweetness
Dry
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Body
Medium Bodied